Getty Images Head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns parted ways with RB Deon Jackson.
Deon Jackson’s time on the Cleveland Browns’ active roster did not last long.
The Browns signed Jackson to the active roster prior to Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts but waived him a day later, on Monday, October 23.
Jackson was elevated as insurance, with Kareem Hunt dinged up with a thigh injury, but he did not receive a carry during the matchup against the Colts — his former team.
There’s a chance Jackson can clear waivers and rejoin the Browns’ practice squad. He was the Week 1 starter with the Colts, registering 13 carries. However, Jackson gained just 14 yards on those attempts.
The move leaves the Browns with an open roster spot, which could be used on quarterback PJ Walker. The Browns have exhausted his three elevations from the practice squad and would have to sign him to the active roster if the plan is for him to assume the backup role.
Walker entered the game with a minute and a half left in the first quarter, stepping in for an injured Deshaun Watson against the Colts, and helped guide the team to victory. He completed 47% of his passes for 178 yards and tossed an interception.
The Browns could be biding their time to potentially make a deal for another backup quarterback option before officially rolling with Walker.
Kareem Hunt Rises to Occasion on Game-Winning Carry
Hunt was questionable to face the Colts with a thigh injury, but when he got the ball on fourth down with the game on the line, he was not going to be stopped.
After three failed pass attempts, Hunt took what would become the game-winning carry with just over 15 seconds left and was able to squeeze into the end zone. It was one of 10 carries for Hunt, who had 31 yards and two touchdowns.
“All or nothing on that play,” Hunt said. “I wasn’t gonna be denied. It was time to win the game. The line did a great job of coming off the ball. We were all hyped for it. We were waiting for it.”
The Browns were set up at the 1-yard line, but as Hunt pointed out, it felt like a very long yard considering what was at stake.
“The longest yard you’ll ever find,” Hunt said. “I see a little crease, I see Wyatt [Teller, guard] pulling around and I’m like, ‘OK, Wyatt, it’s me and you. I’m just gonna put my head down and just try to find a way.’
“I reached [the ball] out a little bit, but I knew I got there. I got my shoulders all the way across. I knew. I looked at the ref and he made the signal right away.”
Browns RB Jerome Ford to Miss Time
The Browns finished with 150 rushing yards, and it was very much a committee effort. A large chunk of that came from Jerome Ford, who ripped off a 69-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Ford left the game with an ankle injury and is expected to miss 1-2 weeks, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Browns will now rely on Hunt to be their lead back, with Pierre Strong Jr. functioning as the primary backup. Cleveland has already lost Pro Bowl back Nick Chubb for the season to a serious knee injury he suffered in Week 2.
Strong had a season-high eight attempts for 25 yards against the Colts.