Browns place starting center Ethan Pocic on injured reserve

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns lost another center to injury, placing starter Ethan Pocic on injured reserve Tuesday, two days after he hurt his knee on the opening drive in a loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Pocic's loss is the latest blow to the struggling Browns (3-7) and their offensive line. Cleveland has lost six of seven.

The 27-year-old Pocic, who signed with the Browns as a free agent in April, had been an unsung star and bright spot while playing every snap. He took over the starting job when Nick Harris sustained a season-ending knee injury on the second play of the exhibition opener in Jacksonville.

The Browns also placed backup center Michael Dunn (back) on injured reserve last week and rookie Dawson Deaton tore a knee ligament in training camp.

On Monday, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he expected Pocic to miss “weeks” with the injury and that Hjalte Froholdt, who started two games at right guard this season, will continue to start.

To add depth, the Browns signed veteran Greg Mancz. The 30-year-old has started 32 NFL games for Houston (2015-20), Miami (2021) and Buffalo (2022), appearing in one game for the Bills this season.

The Browns' running game struggled without Pocic, gaining just 80 yards on 26 carries against Buffalo.

Cleveland also signed safety Bubba Bolden and tackle Will Holden to the practice squad and released center Jordan Meredith.

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