Browns safety De'Ante Saunders enters not guilty plea

CLEVELAND (AP) The Browns have released practice squad safety De'Ante Saunders, who was arrested on Christmas along with linebacker Armonty Bryant following a traffic stop.

Saunders was dropped Monday after he pleaded not guilty to operating a vehicle impaired and speeding. His lawyer faxed the plea to Berea Municipal Court.

Saunders and Bryant were taken into custody on Friday after they were pulled over on Interstate 71. Saunders was charged with OVI and speeding. A handgun belonging to him was also found in the car, police said. Saunders did not have a permit for the weapon.

Bryant was arrested for possessing Adderall and not having a prescription for the drug, Ohio Highway Patrol Lieutenant Craig Cvetan said. Bryant's case is being referred to the Cuyahoga County prosecutor.

Bryant is second on the team with 5 1-2 sacks this season. He did not travel with the Browns for Sunday's game in Kansas City. The 25-year-old was twice arrested for selling marijuana in college and for drunk driving shortly after the Browns drafted him in 2013.

The team also signed linebacker Cam Johnson to the active roster from the practice squad. Running back Daryl Richardson was waived.

The 6-foot-4, 268-pound Johnson is in his third NFL season out of Virginia. He spent the past 13 weeks on the Browns' practice squad. He was originally selected by San Francisco in the seventh round in 2012. Johnson appeared in 15 career games with the 49ers and Colts.

Richardson was inactive for two games after being signed on Dec. 15.

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