The Cleveland Browns have waived wide receiver Jamari Thrash with an injury designation, ending his latest attempt to carve out a role in a revamped receiving corps.
Thrash had not practiced since early in the month because of an undisclosed injury. The Browns did not provide further details. The move was part of a larger transaction announced Thursday. Cleveland signed offensive lineman Jack Conley and cornerback Jeadyn Lukus, waived linebacker Reid Carrico and placed guard Kendrick Green on injured reserve.
The Browns selected Thrash in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after he finished his college career at Louisville. He generated some excitement during his first training camp with his speed and route-running ability but rarely saw the field once the regular season began.
Thrash appeared in nine games as a rookie, catching three passes for 22 yards. He pushed for a larger role entering his second season but finished last year’s campaign with 10 receptions for 107 yards in nine appearances, including one start.
Thrash entered this year’s camp on the roster bubble following an offseason overhaul at receiver. His latest injury eliminates any chance to make his case during the preseason.
If Thrash clears waivers, he will revert to the Browns’ injured reserve list unless the two sides reach an injury settlement. In all, he notched 13 catches for 129 yards across two seasons.
Browns Rookies Making Noise at Receiver
GettyDenzel Boston #12 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass during the Cleveland Browns OTA Offseason Workouts.
Thrash’s departure removes one competitor from a crowded receiver room, although the Browns have continued evaluating outside options.
Cleveland recently worked out receivers Romello Brinson, Stephon Johnson and Ben Patterson as part of a seven-player tryout. The team did not immediately sign any of the three, instead adding Lukus from the workout group.
Jerry Jeudy remains positioned as Cleveland’s No. 1 receiver, but rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have been among the most impressive players in camp. Both have flashed the speed and playmaking ability.
Jeudy is attempting to rebound after his production dropped from 90 receptions for 1,229 yards in 2024 to 50 catches for 602 yards last season. The emergence of Concepcion and Boston could create more favorable matchups for Jeudy, but it will also add competition for targets.
Isaiah Bond, Tylan Wallace, Cedric Tillman, Malachi Corley and Gage Larvadain are among the other receivers fighting for roster spots and roles. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who led Cleveland in receptions last season, will also command a significant share of the passing game.
Browns Add Help at Two Positions of Need
Conley gives the Browns another option along an offensive line dealing with multiple injuries. The 6-foot-7, 333-pound lineman originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Boston College and spent time with the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions before joining Cleveland. He can provide depth at tackle and guard after Green was moved to injured reserve.
Lukus adds another body to a secondary that has also been thinned by injuries. The former Clemson cornerback initially signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent but was waived on August 1.
Cleveland brought Lukus in for a workout and moved quickly to sign him. He will have a limited window to learn the defense and compete for a reserve role, but the preseason should provide opportunities behind Denzel Ward and the Browns’ other established defensive backs.
Browns Cut Ties With Promising Receiver After Injury