‘Hard Knocks’ stardom doesn’t spare pair from Cleveland cuts
Orchard, Cajuste out as team whittles its roster down to 53.
CLEVELAND — “Hard Knocks” darlings Nate Orchard and Devon Cajuste are among Browns players let go as part of the Browns’ moves to reduce their roster to 53 players. The Browns also waived two 2017 draft picks in running back Matthew Dayes and defensive lineman Caleb Brantley.
The Browns also acquired defensive lineman Devaroe Lawrence from New Orleans in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
Orchard was cut despite a strong showing Thursday night against Detroit, highlighted by an interception return for a touchdown. Dayes had a strong showing, too, Thursday night, rushing eight times for 77 yards. He was pushed out of a crowded backfield, though, that includes Carlos Hyde, rookie Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson.
The Browns waived fullback Danny Vitale with an injury designation. Vitale had been the only fullback on the roster throughout training camp and the preseason. He aggravated his calf injury on Friday, which led to the settlement.
Simeon Thomas, a member of John Dorsey’s first draft was among players waived. He was a sixthround pick.
The Browns hold the top position in terms of waiver priority and are expected to be active on the waiver wire.
Here is the full list of Browns cuts:
Linebackers:
Brady Sheldon
Defensive linemen: Caleb Brantley, Daniel Ekuale, Zaycoven Henderson, Nate Orchard
Tight ends: Devon Cajuste, Running backs: Matthew Dayes, Dontrell Hilliard
Wide receivers: Blake Jackson, Da’Mari Scott
Defensive backs: Mike Jordan, Montrel Meander, Tigie Sankoh, Simeon Thomas
Offensive linemen: Christian DiLauro, Spencer Drango Punter: Justin Vogel Fullback: Danny Vitale (injury designation)
The Browns’ initial 53-man roster includes:
Quarterbacks (3): Tyrod Taylor, Baker Mayfield, Drew Stanton; running backs (3): Carlos Hyde, Duke Johnson, Nick Chubb; wide receivers (6): Jarvis Landry, Antonio B.J. Bello, Callaway, Rashard Higgins, Damion Ratley, Derrick Willies, Josh Gordon; tight ends (4): David Njoku, Darren Fells, Orson Charles, Seth DeValve; offensive linemen (9): Joel Bitonio, Austin Corbett, JC Tretter, Kevin Zeitler, Chris Hubbard, Desmond Harrison, Earl Watford, Austin Reiter, Greg Robinson.
Defensive linemen (9): Myles Garrett, Emmanuel Ogbah, Chris Smith, Carl Nassib, Chad Thomas, Larry Ogunjobi, Jamie Meder, Trevon Coley, Devaroe Lawrence; linebackers (6): Christian Kirksey, Jamie Collins, Joe Schobert, Genard Avery, James Burgess, Jermaine Grace; defensive backs (10): Denzel Ward, Terrance Mitchell, T.J. Carrie, E.J. Gaines, Denzel Rice, Jeremiah McKinnon, Jabrill Peppers, Damarious Randall, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Derrick Kindred.