Browns Reunite With Former Running Back, Via Practice Squad Addition

The roster gymnastics continues for Browns general manager Andrew Berry, deep into the season.

On Tuesday, the team announced the addition of running back, John Kelly to the practice squad, while releasing running back Kenyan Drake in a corresponding move. The team also waived cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. from the injured reserve.

If the name sounds familiar its because Kelly has spent the last several season of his professional career bouncing around with the Browns. The Tennessee product was initially drafted by the Rams in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft and signed a rookie contract with Los Angeles. Kelly was part of a Rams' team that season that made a run to Super Bowl 53 and lost to New England. He finished his rookie year with 74 rushing yards.

After being one of the last cuts by LA at the conclusion of the 2019 preseason, Kelly spent that next season bouncing between the Rams practice squad and their active roster.

He was waived by the Rams again prior to Week 1 of the 2020 season, paving the way for his first stint with the Browns, who signed them to his practice squad days later. In One year later, Kelly made his first appearance on the Browns active roster during a middle stretch of the season between late October and late November, and re-upped to the practice squad after being waived. 

He spent he entire 2022 campaign on Cleveland practice squad and started this season in the same boat, before being released a week ago. Now he's back again.