Freddie Kitchens: Eric Murray Not Likely to Make it Back This Year
Tuesday, in his only media availability before the Cleveland Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday Night, Freddie Kitchens made some news by saying he didn't think Eric Murray would make it back, indicating he's likely to be placed on injured reserve. The defensive back acquired in a trade before the season with the Kansas City Chiefs, suffered an injury in practice and had surgery, had been listed as week to week.
Just yesterday, news broke that Emmanuel Ogbah, the player the Browns swapped to acquire Murray, suffered a torn pec in their game Sunday and would have surgery that would end his season. Both players are in the final year of their deals and are scheduled to be free agents, finish their years on injured reserve.
Earler, Freddie Kitchens was asked about Drew Forbes and whether he'll be activated this week against the Steelers, being the last week he can be activated from injured reserve. The team used one of their designations to return from injured reserve on the rookie offensive lineman. Kitchens dodged the question by saying they'd probably decide tomorrow.
What's likely to occur is that the Browns will activate Forbes and place Murray on injured reserve, giving Forbes the roster spot they get back from Murray.
Murray was a nice role player for the Browns this year, able to contribute at multiple spots, most notably a reserve free safety. It would be nice for the Browns to be able to retain him if they can bring him back on a reasonable contract. The Browns' entire group of safeties are scheduled to be free agents, save for rookie Sheldrick Redwine, so it'd be prudent to bring back Murray to provide quality depth and versatility as they effectively rebuild that position group.
