Team adds Jaelon Darden, Mike Ford and Germain Ifedi to the active roster, and bring back a familiar face to the practice squad.
The Cleveland Browns made a series of roster moves on Saturday in preparation for the season-opening game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The club signed wide receiver Jaelon Darden to the active roster, and elevated cornerback Mike Ford Jr. and offensive tackle Germain Ifedi, all from the practice squad.
In addition, the Browns signed wide receiver David Bell to the practice squad, just two days after releasing the third-year player.
We’ve signed WR Jaelon Darden to the active roster and elevated CB Mike Ford Jr. and T Germain Ifedi
» https://t.co/tYDwBzLBRt pic.twitter.com/bNvQUv1hqT
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 7, 2024
Of the moves, the elevation of Ifedi, who saw action at left tackle in the preseason, is the one to keep a close eye on. The Browns announced on Friday that left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is out for Sunday’s game, and that Jack Conklin, who was the presumptive favorite to start at left tackle against the Cowboys, is questionable.
It seems likely that Conklin will be a game-time decision, so if he can’t go or starts and can’t make it through the game, the Browns have protection with Ifedi on hand as a backup option along with James Hudson.
Darden has played in 23 career games since being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2021 NFL Draft, including three games with the Browns between the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He has primarily served as a kick returner, with 56 career punt returns for an average of 9.4 yards per return, and 23 kickoff returns for an average of 20.3 yards per return.
Ford is also noted for his work on special teams. The Browns signed him as a free agent in 2023 and he played in 16 games last season, finishing second on the squad with nine tackles on special teams. Ford was also pressed into duty as a defensive back and recorded 19 tackles and an interception while playing 74 percent of the available snaps on special teams.
Bell was originally a third-round selection by the Browns in the 2023 NFL Draft. He struggled to find his role the past two seasons but did have three touchdown receptions last season. All told, he has played in 31 games and has 38 career receptions for 381 yards and those three touchdowns.
