Browns add depth, sign Haeg, James

BEREA, Ohio: The Cleveland Browns added depth at two key positions in advance of the season opener, signing offensive tackle Joe Haeg and tight end Jesse James, who both previously played for rival Pittsburgh.

The Browns tweaked their roster Monday (Tuesday in Manila) as they began preparing for Sunday’s opener at Carolina. Both Haeg and James were on the practice field during the portion open to media members.

To make roster room, the team waived guard Drew Forbes and linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk.

Haeg was released by the Steelers last week. He’ll give Cleveland some insurance in case All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin isn’t ready to open the season. Conklin underwent extensive knee surgery after tearing his patellar tendon in December.

Conklin has been doing more in team drills during practice lately, but didn’t play in the preseason.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said there’s still a chance Conklin will face the Panthers.

“Definitely want to see how today’s practice went,” Stefanski said following the Browns’ onehour workout. “It’s all about Jack stacking days on top of each other, back-to-back practices and those types of things.”

Cleveland’s not deep at tackle. Veteran Chris Hubbard, who has suffered season-ending injuries the past two years, hasn’t practiced in two weeks, and James Hudson III, a fourth-round pick in 2021, may not be ready for significant playing time.

The 6-foot-6, 304-pound Haeg has made 39 career starts in the NFL. He played with Indianapolis (2016-19), Tampa Bay (2020) and Pittsburgh.