Browns waive running back Ben Tate

The Cleveland Browns waived veteran running back Ben Tate, the team announced Tuesday. Tate signed a two-year, $6.2 million free-agent deal in March after spending his first three seasons with the Houston Texans.

The Cleveland Browns waived veteran running back Ben Tate, the team announced Tuesday.

Tate signed a two-year, $6.2 million free-agent deal in March after spending his first three seasons with the Houston Texans.

"With all the transactions we make while constructing our roster, it will always be our intent to do what is best for our football team," said Browns general manager Ray Farmer. "This move is no different and we wish Ben the best going forward."

Tate was the team’s third-leading rusher this season with 333 yards, including running for a career-high 124 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. The next week he had 25 carries in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but since then his rushing attempts have decreased every week.

In a 23-7 loss to the Texans on Sunday, he had only two carries for -9 yards. After the game, Tate was in no mood to speak to the media.

"Why do you want to talk to me? I didn't play a down,” Tate told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. 

As Tate's playing time has decreased, the Browns have turned their running game over to two rookies: Terrance West, a third-round pick out of Towson, and Isaiah Crowell, an undrafted free agent out of Alabama State. West has 408 yards and three touchdowns, while Crowell has 358 yards and five touchdowns this season.

The Browns (6-4) play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in Josh Gordon's first game back from suspension.

- Scooby Axson