Browns sign A.J. Green back to practice squad

Cleveland Browns had to make a tough choice this week by waiving cornerback A.J. Green after claiming cornerback Kahlef Hailassie from the Kansas City Chiefs. It wasn’t expected that Cleveland would be able to get Green back to the practice squad, but AtoZ can confirm that they have. Green cleared waivers and signed back to […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer

Sep 1, 2023 3:16 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns had to make a tough choice this week by waiving cornerback A.J. Green after claiming cornerback Kahlef Hailassie from the Kansas City Chiefs.

It wasn’t expected that Cleveland would be able to get Green back to the practice squad, but AtoZ can confirm that they have. Green cleared waivers and signed back to the Browns’ practice squad.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier in the week that they would love to have Green back but that they would have to let it play out — it has.

Green joined the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and played in just two games. But in 2021, Green played in 12 games and made a start along the way as well. During that season, Green was able to secure his first NFL interception.

This past year in Cleveland, the Oklahoma State product played in 17 games and made one start. Over the past couple of years, Green has been able to give the Browns some outside corner depth when they’ve needed it. Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome have both missed time over the past couple of seasons, so it was important to have a player like Green, who has been capable.

Green has played over half of the special teams snaps over the past couple of years but was just the odd man out when the Browns decided to claim Hailassie.

Being able to have a player like Green, who is an NFL-caliber cornerback, get back to the practice squad is a nice win. It wasn’t expected but Cleveland has now filled their final practice squad spot with a familiar player.