National Football League

Browns place TE Smith, LB Brown on injured reserve

Published Dec. 20, 2011 1:12 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Browns have placed tight end Alex Smith and linebacker Titus Brown on injured reserve, Cleveland's latest casualties in a banged-up season.

Smith sustained a ''significant'' shoulder injury on Sunday against Arizona, but coach Pat Shurmur says the versatile player will not need surgery. Shurmur says Brown will undergo surgery on his injured knee.

With just two healthy tight ends on its roster, the team signed free agent tight end Don Gronkowski and promoted linebacker Brian Smith from the practice squad. Both will likely play Saturday at Baltimore.

Smith finished with 14 catches for 131 yards and one touchdown this season.

The Browns have had to place five starters on IR, and the team has had 11 reported concussions, including one that will sideline quarterback Colt McCoy for a second straight week.