Just 3 weeks ago, Browns RB Terrance West was a healthy scratch.  Against the Bucs in Week 9, West led the backfield with 15 carries and 48 yards.  The rookie also caught a 2-yard TD.  “When you looked at the tape and really compared the three [West, Ben Tate and Isaiah Crowell], we feel he’s really coming on,” HC Mike Pettine said. “He’s earned those touches, and when he gets out there he does make the most of them.”  Tate mustered just 3 yards on 10 carries against Tampa.  Crowell didn't play a single snap.  West appears to have jumped to the top of the depth chart and has a plus Week 10 matchup against the Bengals.  That'll put him in fantasy-starter range for another week with 6 teams on bye.  Just note that the entire Cleveland running game is struggling.  In 3 games without C Alex Mack, the RBs are averaging 1.99 yards per carry.

Browns HC Mike Pettine said Monday that RB Isaiah Crowell has seen less work lately because coaches worry about his ball security, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Crowell posted an 11-77-1 rushing line against the Steelers in Week 6, but also fumbled twice, losing 1 of them. He has since garnered just 10 total touches over the past 2 games, including only 1 carry and 1 reception in Sunday's 10-point win over Oakland. Crowell will need to find a way to earn the coaches' trust if he's the grow his backfield role again. Of course, the true test will come if Ben Tate gets hurt again. The Browns might need to turn back to Crowell more in that case, given Terrance West's lackluster performance so far.

Browns HC Mike Pettine said Friday that RB Terrance West had a good week of practice and will be active for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.  West was a healthy scratch last week.  He still figures to be 3rd in the pecking order behind Ben Tate and Isaiah Crowell and isn't a Week 7 fantasy option.  But it's obviously too soon to write off West as a long-term factor in Cleveland's backfield.  He's a hold in dynasty leagues.

Browns RB Terrance West is a surprise healthy scratch for today's game against the Steelers.  It's confirmation that Isaiah Crowell is the #2 RB in Cleveland.  RB Ben Tate will serve as the feature back today, leaving Crowell as a weak fantasy play.  But the rookie is worth rostering in fantasy leagues as a top-notch handcuff.

Browns HC Mike Pettine called RB Terrance West's preseason performance "inconsistent."  The rookie averaged just 2.7 yards per carry and lost a fumble.  "There were some times where he made plays, and then he made rookie mistakes some other times," Pettine said. "... He can catch the ball. He's shown that in camp. We're pleased with where Terrance is, but it's something ... he just needs to continue to get better."  West appeared to have a shot at Cleveland's starting job back in the spring, but he's faded since.  He might now need to be more concerned about holding off Isaiah Crowell for the #2 RB spot than pushing Tate for the starting job.

Browns insider Tony Grossi believes Isaiah Crowell could "challenge" Terrance West for the #2 spot on the depth chart.  Crowell had a quiet August before exploding for 102 yards and a score on 13 carries in the preseason finale.  Now he's only 1 of 3 RBs on the Browns' active roster, along with West and Ben Tate.  Crowell is certainly capable of pushing for a real role this season.  He went undrafted this May because of character concerns but was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school and was named SEC Freshman of the Year at Georgia.  Crowell is certainly worth rostering in all keeper and dynasty leagues.  Put him on your "watch list" in redraft leagues.

Browns insider Glenn Moore expects RB Terrance West to play a "major role" this season.  Cleveland is clearly high on their rookie, who is already seeing 1st-team practice reps.  "West has shown power through the first level and quickness when eluding defenders," Moore observed.  Of course, the Browns also added RB Ben Tate in free agency and RB Isaiah Crowell as an undrafted free agent.  The workload split in this backfield will be one of the biggest fantasy storylines of the summer.  There's tons of production to be had in a run-first offense piloted by OC Kyle Shanahan.

Undrafted rookie RB Isaiah Crowell has signed with the Browns.  Crowell checked in as the #7 RB in our Pre-Draft Rookie Rankings.  Some scouts consider him the most talented RB in the class.  He went undrafted because of off-field issues, namely a felony firearms charge.  That got him dismissed from Georgia after he was named 2011 SEC Freshman of the Year.  Crowell transferred to Alabama State, where he totaled 1,963 yards and 30 TDs over the past 2 seasons.  If his head is screwed on right, this guy is capable of making a significant fantasy impact.  Crowell is a strapping 5'11, 224-pounder with plus vision and explosion.  He'll join fellow rookie Terrance West to put some serious heat on Ben Tate this summer.