Latest headlines feature current, injured and potential Browns running backs

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

In the last few days, the running back position and the Cleveland Browns have had an ongoing connection.

First, injured running back James Davis was back in the news. We thought he would be a forgotten commodity until next season. Well, its been reported that Davis’ shoulder injury occurred Oct. 1 after practice. The rookie from Clemson was not wearing pads when he went through a full-contact drill.

According to ESPN.com’s James Davis:

"Two witnesses to the incident from within the Browns organization said Davis injured his shoulder in a post-practice drill in which he was not wearing pads and the linebacker that plowed into him was. Three other NFL sources corroborated the witnesses' account.

A Browns spokesman said (Oct. 10) it is not true."

The Associated Press reported Monday that league spokesman Greg Aiello said the NFL is aware of the incident and is looking into the matter. ESPN also reported that the NFLPA may file a grievance.

Just added that grievance to the list, eh?

"I’ve talked to the league about it, will continue talking to the league about it, and I feel comfortable with where we are on it," said Browns coach Eric Mangini at Monday's press conference. "I like James Davis a lot. The last thing I’d want to do is ever put him in a position, or anybody in a position, where they could get hurt. I talked to a lot of people involved in it. Like I said, we’re going to keep working with the league on it. I feel comfortable with where we’re at.”

Later on Sunday, Jamal Lewis returned to the lineup from his hamstring injury. Lewis finished with 117 yards on 31 carries as the Browns beat the Bills 6-3. The old adage proved that if Lewis gets more than 25 carries, the Browns are tough to beat. Ball-control, grind-it-out offense is what coach Eric Mangini wants, but can Lewis continue to handle that kind of load? For the Browns sake, let's hope so.

Finally, before the Monday Night Game between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, a story surfaced that the Browns were talking with Miami in the offseason about a trade. Said trade would have send Braylon Edwards to South Beach for running back Ronnie Brown.

Take a minute to imagine Ronnie Brown in the Browns backfield. A Wildcat formation with Brown, Lewis and Josh Cribbs.

Hopefully, the Browns can land a big-time running back in the near future to help the team’s offense continue that ball-control style that was on display last Sunday.