National Football League

Browns release RB Brandon Jackson, overhaul roster

Published Sep. 2, 2013 1:09 a.m. ET

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Browns coach Rob Chudzinski says his roster remains ''fluid.'' On Sunday, it moved a little more.

The team made 12 moves, continuing to overhaul a 53-man roster that could undergo even more alterations before the season opener against Miami on Sept. 8. One day after releasing 13 players, including their two kickers, the Browns released six players and claimed another six off waivers.

''Again, our roster is fluid right now,'' Chudzinski said in a statement released by the team at the end of another busy day. ''We still need to address our kicker position, so we're not done. We're a young and hungry team with some solid veteran leaders. I like the foundation we have in place as we enter the season. I'm excited to see what we can do.''

Among the most prominent moves were the terminations of the contracts of running back Brandon Jackson and tight end Kellen Davis, two players expected to contribute in 2013.

The team also claimed six players off waivers while waiving linebacker L.J. Fort, offensive lineman Caylin Hauptmann, offensive lineman Jarrod Shaw and fullback Brad Smelley.

With just one week left before the opener against the Dolphins, Cleveland's roster remains in flux.

The Browns remain without a kicker after terminating veteran Shayne Graham's contract and cutting rookie Brandon Bogotay on Saturday. Chudzinski said the Browns will have a kicker within ''the next few days.''

Also, Cleveland claimed tight ends MarQueis Gray and Keavon Miller, running backs Dennis Johnson and Bobby Rainey, offensive lineman Patrick Lewis and linebacker Brandon Magee off waivers.

Chudzinski likes the depth the team has added at running back since losing Dion Lewis (broken leg) and Montario Hardesty (knee surgery) to season-ending injuries.

''Both Johnson and Rainey have been productive runners,'' Chudzinski said. ''They also give us some options as a kickoff returner. We'll look at that in the next few days.''

Johnson signed with Houston after not being drafted. He set Southeastern Conference career records with 119 kickoff returns for 2,784 yards, including three touchdowns.

Rainey spent last season with Baltimore but didn't appear in a game. The Ravens wanted to keep him on their practice squad but the Browns swept in and signed the 5-foot-8, 212-pounder.

The Browns were reportedly one of six teams interested in Gray, who spent the preseason with San Francisco. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder played quarterback and wide receiver in college at Minnesota.

''He's a heck of an athlete,'' Chudzinski said.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org

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