The Cleveland Browns promoted two players from the practice squad for Sunday’s game with the Houston Texans.
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are down four defensive players for Sunday’s game with the Houston Texans, including two starters. In response, the Browns elevated two defensive players from the practice squad to the active roster.
Linebacker Charlie Thomas and safety Tanner McCalister were elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. Both are undrafted free agent rookies. Thomas has one special teams tackle on the season.
McCalister (5-11, 191) is an undrafted rookie out of Ohio State. He has spent the entire season on the Browns’ practice squad and has appeared in one game. McCalister will wear No. 48.
Thomas (6-3, 216) is a rookie out of Georgia Tech. Originally signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent, he has spent the entire season on the Browns’ practice squad and has appeared in two games. Thomas will wear No. 35.
Both players were elevated for last week’s game with the Bears and both played in the 20-17 win.
Linebackers Anthony Walker (knee) and Jordan Kunaszyk were both ruled out for Sunday’s game, while safety Juan Thornhill (safety) was ruled out, as well. Defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo has also been ruled out with a pectoral injury.
NFL teams can carry up to 55 players on its roster during a given week by elevating one or two players from its practice squad prior to the transaction deadline that precedes the game.
The rule allows teams a larger pool from which to select their 47 or 48 game-day active players.
Any player elevated from the practice squad for this purpose will immediately revert to his team’s practice squad the day following the game.
