The Cleveland Browns are making some significant changes to their receiver group and return game ahead of their Week 2 clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Wednesday, the team waived wide receiver and return specialist Jaelon Darden, who had been signed to the active roster just last week.
Darden handled primary kick and punt return duties during Cleveland’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, where he returned four kicks and five punts. Despite averaging 14.4 yards on punt returns and providing an early spark with a 28-yard runback, the Browns opted to go in a new direction.
Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone praised Darden for his contributions, noting his effectiveness in the return game.
“We had some production on the punt return unit. I thought he did a good job of getting the ball downhill, made some yards, set up our offense in the first quarter with the explosive return to our sidelines,” Ventrone said. “That was a positive in the game. I thought that he did a solid job overall.”
Browns Bring in James Proche to Replace Darden
While it’s unclear who will handle the return duties moving forward, James Proche II appears to be a strong candidate. Proche, who spent last season with Cleveland as a primary punt returner, was re-signed to the active roster after Darden’s release. Last year, Proche played 39% of the Browns’ special teams snaps across 10 games.
Additionally, Cleveland added former first-round pick Kadarius Toney to the practice squad this week. However, Toney is unlikely to be immediately available as a return option, though the Browns are excited about his playmaking potential.
“He’s definitely a playmaker, and we’re going to keep seeing what he can do,” said Ventrone. “He’s had some punt return experience in his career and he’s good with the ball in his hand. So, we’ll keep working with him, and he’s obviously an option on the practice squad right now.”
Watson, Browns Passing Game Struggles in Opener
While special teams saw some flashes in Week 1, Cleveland’s offense had a rough outing against the Cowboys, with Deshaun Watson struggling against constant pressure from Micah Parsons and the Dallas defense. Watson finished with 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, most of which came when the game was already out of hand.
Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey acknowledged the need for improvement but remained optimistic about Watson’s growth.
“I think just overall, looking at his performance this past week, there were a lot of good things and then there were obviously some things we can improve on and correct,” Dorsey said. “At the quarterback position and every position, you got to have a growth mindset… and I think Deshaun does a good job in taking that mindset and applying it.”
The Browns will also be without one of Watson’s top targets, tight end David Njoku, who is dealing with an ankle injury, further complicating their offensive efforts.
Browns Look to Rebound as Underdogs
Cleveland heads into Week 2 as a 3-point road underdog against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a revamped return game and a focus on getting Watson and the offense back on track, the Browns will need a strong performance to bounce back from their Week 1 loss.
