Browns sign speedy wideout to the active roster

BEREA, Ohio (WKBN) – The Cleveland Browns have signed wide receiver Jaelon Darden to the active roster from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s season opener against Dallas.

In addition, the team elevated cornerback Mike Ford Jr. and tackle Germain Ifedi from the practice squad.

The Browns also signed WR David Bell to the practice squad. He was waived by Cleveland on Thursday afternoon.

Darden is entering his third NFL season out of North Texas. He was originally selected by Tampa Bay in the fourth round in 2021 and was claimed off waivers by Cleveland in 2022. Darden has appeared in 23 career games, including three with the Browns. He has registered 56 career punt returns for 526 yards (9.4 average) and 23 kickoffs for 468 yards (20.3 average).

Ford is in his seventh NFL season out of Southeast Missouri State. Originally signed by Detroit as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Ford has appeared in 77 career games with the Lions (2018-20), Broncos (2021), Falcons (2022) and Browns (2023). He signed with Houston as a free agent but was waived at the end of training camp. Last season, he appeared in 16 games with Cleveland and recorded 19 tackles and one interception on defense. Ford finished second on the team with nine special teams tackles.

Ifedi is in his ninth NFL season out of Texas A&M. Originally a first-round pick by Seattle in 2016, Ifedi has appeared in 102 career games with 83 starts with the Seahawks (2016-19), Bears (2020-21) and Falcons (2023). He spent the entire preseason with Cleveland after signing with the team in free agency back in April.

The Browns will host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. at Huntington Bank Field. The game will be televised locally on FOX Youngstown.

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