The preseason is over for the Cleveland Browns. So now the time has come to trim the roster from 90 down to 53 players by 4:00 eastern time Saturday.
Unlike in previous years, some good football players will be leaving Berea in search of work. Braxton Miller could be one of them, or will he?
The former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback turned wide receiver could be the final wide receiver to make the Browns 53-man roster. That would be quite impressive considering that Miller has only been with the Browns for just over a week.
“Actually, the learning curve was not that bad,” Miller said. “I just had to look over some of the scripts and understand how they format their plays. It was not that difficult to comprehend, and I feel that I caught on pretty quick.”
Miller received significant time in the Browns 20-16 victory over the Detroit Lions Thursday night. He caught three passes for 19 yards. Miller saw six targets come his way.
“I thought he did well,” head coach Freddie Kitchens said. “He had a couple balls that got called back from penalties. He took one screen and made something out of it. It did not look like there was much there. He used his hands well. I thought he did well.”
“Being able to come in and learn the offense quickly will help my chances of making the team,” Miller said. “I think being able to learn the offense quickly is probably a big deal for the coaches. I was able to learn it in a week and a couple of days.”
With Antonio Callaway starting his four game suspension on Saturday, Miller’s chances to make the initial 53-man roster improves. Derrick Willies and Ishmael Hyman are the two main challenges with Miller for the final wide receiver slot on the roster. The Browns are expected to keep six or seven wide receivers. Seven would be wonderful news for Miller.
“That is up to the coaches and organization,” Miller said. “I made sure I went out there and played what I know, and hopefully, put out good tape.”
Miller chose the Browns over other teams after his release by the Philadelphia Eagles. He likes the situation he is in here in Cleveland and hopes it will continue.
“I definitely want to make this team. Being back in my home state and being back with the fans that know me from my Ohio State days feels great. They bring a good energy and it felt pretty good to be back home.”
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
