Browns Sign Two Running Backs To Practice Squad

The Browns added more depth to their running back room after Jerome Ford was injured in Week 7

The Browns added two running backs to their practice squad Wednesday, signing Nate McCrary and Jordan Wilkins ahead of their first practice day of Week 8.

Both players have previously spent time with the Browns prior to the season and were brought back for depth purposes as Cleveland navigates injuries in its running back room. Jerome Ford suffered an ankle injury in Week 7 against the Colts, which left Pierre Strong Jr. and Kareem Hunt as the only two healthy running backs on the active roster.

Wilkins has the most experience of the duo and has played in 54 career games, logging 4.9 yards per carry and four touchdowns in 208 attempts. He last played for the Colts in 2022, when he appeared in four games.

Jan 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jordan Wilkins (29) makes a move against New York Giants safety Tony Jefferson (36) during the first half at MetLife Stadium / Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

McCrary hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2021 with the Ravens and has just one career carry. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Browns in January but was released during training camp in August.

With Strong and Hunt the only running backs on the roster, the Browns could elevate one of the two practice squad backs for each game Ford might have to miss. Wilkins, of course, would appear to be the likeliest candidate.

Ford left the locker room after the Browns’ win over the Colts in a walking boot. It’s not known yet how much time he might have to miss, but he had handled the bulk of the carries for the Browns since Pro Bowl RB Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2.