Browns' Droughns Goes from No. 1 RB to Special Teams

How quickly things can change. At the beginning of the season, Browns running back Reuben Droughns was first on the depth chart after having his contract extended this off-season following a 1,200 yard rushing performance in 2005. But after being arrested on domestic violence charges (the case was later dropped), and missing time due to injuries, he may now be out of a job.

In his absence, the Browns have turned to Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison. Wright spent time on the Browns practice squad after being released by the Falcons in 2005 and Cleveland selected Harrison in the fifth round of the 2006 draft.

Droughns missed the Pittsburgh Steelers game two weeks ago because of a sprained foot. He returned against the Cincinnati Bengals and got two carries. Coach Romeo Crennel said the injury was a factor in his limited time, but Droughns was healthy enough to cover kickoffs.

It's not very often a No. 1 running back plays on special teams and the Akron Beacon Journal suggests Droughns might be in head coach Romeo Crennel's doghouse:

`That's the message I got,'' Droughns said. "But at the same time, I enjoy special teams.'' Crennel said the Browns wanted to see Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison run the ball, and if Droughns was going to be active, he had to contribute on special teams.

"I told Reuben, `I know you've played special teams before, and you were good at it, so I would like for you to play special teams and help make a contribution,' '' Crennel said. "He said, `Coach, I will do that.'

It all sounds good, but until Ladainian Tomlinson or Larry Johnson start playing special teams, I'll take this to mean that Droughns is on his way out of Cleveland.