On the same day that former Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt signed with the Chiefs practice squad, the Browns made a similar move by signing former Los Angeles Rams running back Royce Freeman to the practice squad.
Freeman was a third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018. He also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and the Rams last season. He started 2024 with the Cowboys but was released on August 27.
Freeman had an outstanding college career at Oregon. He remains the all-time leading PAC-12 rushing leader with 5,621 yards.
With Denver in his rookie season, he was off to a good start. An ankle injury sidelined him, and Philip Lindsay filled in for him and ultimately earned the starting job. Last season, he played in 14 games with the Rams earning 319 yards and two touchdowns.
It is unclear if there is any significance associated with this as it pertains to Nick Chubb's recovery. Chubb is on the PUP list until at least Week 5. The Browns have been thin at running back with Chubb and Nyheim Hines out. Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. have been handling the bulk of the workload. As of Tuesday, Strong has been listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury.