Browns FB Giovanni Ricci suffers knee injury vs. Vikings

Cleveland Browns tight end Giovanni Ricci exited the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings with a knee injury. Ricci suffered the injury during the two-minute drill after catching a pass for a first down. Ricci limped to the sideline to see the medical trainers. The savvy veteran move saved the Browns from using a timeout. Ricci was ruled out at halftime.

The Browns signed Ricci during the offseason to serve as the team’s H-Back. Ricci played very well before suffering the injury. Ricci, a converted fullback, looked very natural as a pass catcher. Ricci recorded 32 yards on 4 catches during the first half.

Ricci is competing for a roster spot in a crowded Browns’ tight end room this season. The tight end room is uncharacteristically weak this season. The Browns require a lot from their tight ends. The team’s best option inside the room might come from assistant coach Mike Vrabel who has embedded himself in the group coached by Tommy Rees.