National Football League

Browns activate rookie WR Cooper

Published Oct. 12, 2012 7:01 p.m. ET

foxsports

Thin at wide receiver because of injuries, the Browns have signed rookie Josh Cooper from the practice squad.

Cooper, who was college teammates with Cleveland quarterback Brandon Weeden, is expected to play Sunday when the winless Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals. Cooper caught 71 passes last season at Oklahoma State as Weeden's top target after Justin Blackmon.

The Browns needed Cooper with Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring) and Jordan Norwood (foot) out with injuries. The Browns placed Norwood on injured reserve, but he's eligible to return in eight weeks. Norwood caught nine passes last week in a loss to the New York Giants.

Rookie wide receiver Travis Benjamin returned to practice Friday after being sidelined with a hamstring problem. He's listed as doubtful - a 25 percent chance of playing - on the injury report.