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Mike Pettine: Duke Johnson's concussion may force Browns to sign free-agent RB

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A rash of injuries at running back may force the Cleveland Browns to sign a free agent at the position, head coach Mike Pettine told reporters Sunday.

Rookie Duke Johnson made his preseason debut Saturday after battling a hamstring injury throughout August, but his night was cut short by a concussion.

Shaun Draughns is also hurt, leaving only second-year tailbacks Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West as possible starting options at the position. The Browns don't seem particularly enamored with either player.

Asked if Ray Rice, who was linked to the Browns earlier this summer, might be an option, Pettine was noncommittal: "If we have to add a back, we'll look at the list of backs that are available.''

Rice is still waiting to get the second chance in the NFL that may never come. For now, the Browns appear to be far and away his best shot at getting back into the league.

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