WR Toney set to debut for Browns; OT Wills ruled out again

The Cleveland Browns elevated wide receiver Kadarius Toney from the practice squad for Sunday’s road game against the New Orleans Saints.

Toney, who signed to the Browns’ practice squad in September, is expected to make his season debut. Cleveland hired Toney, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, after Kansas City released him as part of roster cuts in late August.

He was limited with an undisclosed injury, but his practice reps have increased in recent weeks. Toney could contribute as a returner for the Browns.

Cleveland also demoted offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. due to a lingering knee injury. Wills had told reporters Monday that he made a “business decision” not to play against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 27 after hyperextending his left knee, the same one he had surgery on in December 2023, on the first play of the game. the week before against the Cincinnati Bengals. Wills was listed as a full participant for the entire week and was not given playing status.

Wills said he was later told he would no longer be a starter but would instead serve as a reserve tackle. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Wills’ comments were a “poor choice of words” and “not what he meant.” Stefanski added that Wills was not benched because of his comments and that it would not affect his ability to start again.

The Browns also placed rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. on injured reserve after he suffered a knee injury during practice Thursday. Hall, who was suspended for the first five games of the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, will miss at least four games.

Cleveland signed defensive linemen Sam Kamara and Elerson G. Smith from the practice squad to the active roster.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.