The Cleveland Browns have signed defensive tackle Chris Williams to the practice squad, adding some extra beef to the unit after some recent injuries.
Williams spent most of this season on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. He previously was a member of the Indianapolis Colts, making the active roster after going undrafted in 2020 out of Wagner College.
Williams doesn’t come to the table with a ton of in-game experience but did see some time on the field with the Colts. He’s appeared in 13 games with 6 tackles to his name.
The Browns have suffered some significant injuries on the defensive line in recent weeks. Tackle Maurice Hurst II is expected to miss the rest of the season with a pectoral injury and defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo is also dealing with a pec injury. Okoronkwo has yet to be ruled out for the season but it’s not looking good for the Browns’ second-leading sack artist.
Williams may be able to slide up to the active roster and help fill some of the void left by Hurst. He wasn’t a starter but was playing on 39% of the snaps this season as part of the rotation.
Hurst confirmed that his season was over via social media.
“My 2023 season is over, and the frustration is unbearable,” Hurst wrote. “However I am grateful to my teammates, coaches, staff, and the city of Cleveland for welcoming me and making me a part of this family…. I’ll be back better than before.”
The Browns have to get creative with their solutions at this point in the year. There are limited options but one name that has become available is veteran pass-rusher Justin Houston.
The Carolina Panthers released Houston on Tuesday, December 19, with the team agreeing to give the four-time Pro Bowler a chance to sign with a contender.
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