Browns RB Isaiah Crowell suited up for the 3rd preseason game after missing the 2nd with a groin injury. He operated as Cleveland's clear lead back, carrying 11 times for 40 yards in 1 half of action. With the groin issue behind him, Crowell is safe to draft as a volume-based RB2.

The Browns held RB Isaiah Crowell out of Monday night's preseason game against the Giants after he suffered a groin injury in practice Thursday. Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reports that the move was precautionary and that the team isn't worried. The Browns had Friday off, and Crowell was reportedly idle during Saturday's closed session. We'll watch to see whether he's back on the field this week.

Browns RB Isaiah Crowell signed his restricted free agent tender Wednesday. That's not a surprising move, given the lack of interest from potential suitors (who would have had to give a 2nd-round pick) this offseason. It locks Crowell in with Cleveland for at least the coming season, though. And the 2 sides reportedly started the offseason interested in a longer-term deal. We'll see what comes of that. As it is, Crowell will head into 2017 as the clear lead runner for the Browns and an upside fantasy football option. He ranked 9th in the league with 4.8 yards per carry in 2016.

The forecast for today's Browns-Bills game calls for a slight chance of snow but winds of 20-30 mph. That's certainly enough to impact the passing games. Hopefully you're not relying on any part of Cleveland's passing attack. Downgrade Bills QB Tyrod Taylor and WR Sammy Watkins a tad, but both are still fine fantasy starters. Expect a heavy dose of RB LeSean McCoy today.

Browns RB Isaiah Crowell busted off 113 yards on 10 carries in Sunday's loss to the Browns. It was his first 100-yard game since Week 4 and his 1st time over 44 yards since Week 7. Crowell seemed to benefit from the threat of QB Robert Griffin's legs. We'll see if RG3 remains under center next weekend after completing just 12 of 28 passes today. Regardless, Crowell will be no more than a RB3 or flex in Buffalo next Sunday.

The forecast for today's Bengals-Browns game calls for 1-3 inches of snow and winds of 10-20 mph. We start to worry about the passing games when winds get over 15 mph, so this is a slight concern. Both teams figured to go run-heavy anyway, and the weather will only push them farther in that direction.

The forecast for today's Steelers-Browns game calls for a 30% chance of snow with winds of 27-29 mph and gusts up to 40. That wind is a significant concern. We'd avoid both kickers and downgrade the passing games, especially the guys who rely on downfield stuff. Bang it here for updated projections for the Steelers and Browns.

Steelers DE Cameron Heyward will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. That takes a key pass rusher and run defender out of an already-shaky defense. When Heyward missed 2 games with a hamstring injury earlier this season, the Steelers allowed Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi the 1st of his 200-yard games and then a 127-2 rushing line to LeGarrette Blount. So Heyward's latest departure is good news for Browns RB Isaiah Crowell (who unfortunately still has to deal with playing in the Browns offense).

Browns RB Isaiah Crowell is not expected to be disciplined by his team or the league for his controversial social media post depicting a police officer being stabbed. Crowell later removed the image and issued an apology. "We have spoken to Isaiah regarding his extremely disturbing and unacceptable social media decision,'' the Browns said in the statement. "It was completely inappropriate and we have made him aware of our high level of disappointment. Isaiah has apologized but also knows that just an apology is insufficient and that he must take steps to make a positive difference after a very negative and impactful post.'' We'll see whether the incident impact Crowell's standing with his new coaching staff. He'll battle for snaps and touches this summer with RB Duke Johnson.

Browns HC Hue Jackson sees Duke Johnson as an "every-down back," according to ESPN's Pat McManamon.  Johnson was used in more of a change-of-pace role as a rookie, catching 61 balls but carrying just 104 times.  He's on the smaller side at 5'9, 210 pounds but carried 242 times with a 6.8-yard average in his final college season at Miami.  Johnson obviously needs to be better than his 3.6 yards per carry as a rookie if he wants an expanded rushing role this year.  Cleveland has another talented (and bigger) RB in Isaiah Crowell.  And Jackson rolled with a committee backfield both in Cincinnati (Jeremy Hill, Gio Bernard) and Oakland (Darren McFadden, Michael Bush).  We're not banking on Johnson assuming an every-down role in 2016, but he should surpass last year's 165 total touches.  He's a fine pick in PPR leagues at his current 6th-round ADP.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, new Browns HC Hue Jackson sees a potential "bellcow" when he watches RB Isaiah Crowell on tape. "I really think Isaiah Crowell is a really good running back," Jackson said after not picking any RBs in the NFL Draft. "I think he's going to have a sensational season, I really do. "Obviously Isaiah is very explosive," he said. "He's got quick feet, he's fast in the hole, he runs with good pad level.'' Jackson also called the combined talent "extreme" between Crowell and Duke Johnson. "Those 2 guys are as good as I've seen in a while,'' said the coach who just finished working with Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill in Cincinnati the past 2 years. Jackson also reportedly sees Bernard similarities in Johnson. "I think he's going to have a great year as well," Jackson said. "Duke has suddenness and quickness and he can go catch the ball with anybody. He does so many different things that gives your offense a boost.'' The Browns might need the backfield to carry an offense that appears ready to rely on a Robert Griffin rebound and a slew of rookie receivers. Even if the Browns struggle to win games, expect enough rushing to potentially support fantasy value in both backs -- especially at likely modest ADPs. Both make for solid picks in current best-ball drafting on MyFantasyLeague.com and MyFFPC.com.

The Browns have agreed to a deal to make Hue Jackson their new HC.  Jackson has spent the past 4 years with the Bengals; the past 2 as OC.  Cincinnati ranked 15th in total offense in both.  Jackson was the Raiders' HC back in 2011, leading the team to an 8-8 record and a 9th-place finish in total offense.  Generally regarded as 1 of the top offensive minds in the game, Jackson's arrival is good news for Cleveland's offense.  Of course, there aren't many pieces there to be excited about.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs after being limited in practice all week. Johnson doesn't carry much fantasy intrigue against a tough K.C. defense even if healthy this week, so you should try a different direction if possible.

Browns RB Isaiah Crowell (toe) is active. He’s a low-end RB3 or flex vs. a Broncos defense allowing just 3.7 yards per carry to RBs.

Browns RB Isaiah Crowell (toe) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Broncos. He was limited in practice all week. It sounds like Crowell will play, but the injury is just another reason to avoid him in a horrible matchup.

Browns RB Duke Johnson (concussion) is probable for this weekend’s game against the Jets. He’ll serve as the #2 RB, but exactly how much work he’ll see behind Isaiah Crowell remains uncertain. Johnson should be on fantasy benches for Week 1.

Browns HC Mike Pettine notes improvement from RB Isaiah Crowell in pass protection and route running.  RB Duke Johnson is a good bet to eventually emerge as Cleveland's primary pass-catching back.  But the rookie missed most of August and might not be ready for a big role right out of the gate.  Don't bank on big receiving numbers from Crowell, but he should at least double last year's 9 catches and 87 yards.

The Browns have traded RB Terrance West to the Titans for a conditional 2016 pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.  Cleveland selected West in the 3rd round last year, but poor practice habits landed him on the chopping block.  He heads from 1 crowded RB corps to another -- and Tennessee's offensive line isn't nearly as talented as Cleveland's.  It's a hit to West's fantasy outlook, along with Bishop Sankey and David Cobb's.  Meanwhile, Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson's stocks are on the rise.  Crowell is locked in as the lead (and potential 3-down) back to open the season.  Johnson will step in as the #2 as soon as he's cleared from his concussion.  The rookie's role could grow if Crowell continues to underwhelm.

Update: Cobb has been placed on IR designated for return with his calf injury.  It knocks the rookie out for at least the first 8 games of the season.  He's not worth rostering in redraft leagues.  West will be Tennessee's #2 RB to open the season.

Browns HC Mike Pettine said after Thursday night's preseason finale that RB Isaiah Crowell has "the edge" to start Week 1.  Crowell got the night off, while RB Terrance West carried 9 times for 35 yards.  Both 2nd-year backs were disappointing this preseason: West finishing with 3.6 yards per carry; Crowell 2.8.  We're expecting a committee attack unless 1 guy steps up.  And rookie Duke Johnson will get in the mix once healthy.  Avoid the situation in Week 1 against a tough Jets run defense.

After RB Isaiah Crowell started the Browns' preseason opener, RB Terrance West got the nod in the 2nd exhibition.  Again, both guys operated with the 1st-team offense.  West finished with 42 yards on 11 carries (3.8 YPC), while Crowell mustered just 14 yards on 5 totes (2.8 YPC).  Neither player distinguished himself, and this backfield remains wide open.  Crowell continues to be selected 6 or 7 rounds ahead of West in fantasy drafts.