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VFL John Kelly Signs with Browns

After being on Cleveland's practice squad since the season started, injuries have paved a way for the former Tennessee rusher to earn a spot on the roster.
Jack Foster|
VFL John Kelly Signs with Browns
VFL John Kelly Signs with Browns

NFL's Week 6 action saw the Browns fall to the Arizona Cardinals 37-14 in Cleveland. In what was advertised to be a tight game, especially with the undefeated Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury missing due to testing positive for COVID-19, the Browns completely flopped offensively and defensively.

In large part, it was due to injuries. The Browns were already down star running back Nick Chubb due to a calf injury, and, coincidentally enough, Cleveland lost their other top back Kareem Hunt to a calf injury during the game, who was put on injured reserve on Tuesday. 

The Browns are third in the NFL in rushing percentage, and now that both of their top backs are gone, some reserve players figure to be destined for larger roles, which could include VFL running back John Kelly.

The Browns officially elevated the VFL to the active 53-man roster on Tuesday, giving Kelly a chance to log his first NFL touch in two years. (See tweet below):

via Cleveland Browns Twitter

Cleveland will likely turn to D'Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton to handle the lion's share of the rushing duties, but the fact that Kelly got promoted to the active roster from the practice squad means the VFL could see some playing time. 

Since coming into the league as a sixth-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams, Kelly has only ran the ball 30 times for 83 yards with no scores, along with two catches for 27 yards. All of Kelly's NFL touches came in his rookie year with LA other than three, and the VFL has not logged an NFL touch since 2019. 

However, that may change in the upcoming games, especially if Chubb and Hunt stay hurt making room for Kelly on the roster.  

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Jack Foster
JACK FOSTER

Jack is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Journalism/Electronic Media. Jack grew up in Paris, Tennessee, but now spends the majority of his time in Knoxville doubling as a student and sports journalist for Volunteer Country. Jack has been a sports junkie since he was a young kid and always watched NFL football with his dad on Sundays. Jack still follows the NFL religiously, as he is an avid fantasy football player. Jack started with Volunteer Country in May of 2021 and has since helped provide full coverage of football, baseball and men's and women's basketball. Jack also works as a recurring member of WUTK's Rock Solid Sports show on Wednesdays and Fridays, and he also serves as head sports producer of The Volunteer Channel's Vol News, a student-run show at the University. When Jack is not watching or covering sports, find him on the golf course or back home spending time with his parents, younger sister and friends. Follow Jack on Twitter and Instagram by clicking "Twitter" and "Instagram" to see all of his work with Volunteer Country as well as student media.

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