The Browns have elevated tight end Sal Cannella from their practice squad ahead of Sundayâs game against the Steelers.
Cannella, a former undrafted rookie from Auburn, initially signed with Cleveland in June. He was waived in August ahead of final roster cutdowns and re-signed to the practice squad days later.
The 29-year-old is joining the active roster as a depth option with Harold Fannin (groin) listed as questionable and David Njoku (knee) ruled out. Fannin is expected to play, but Cannella could get an opportunity for reps if he is active.
Well-Traveled Tight End Finds Home With Browns
Originally signed by the Dolphins in 2021, the 6-foot-5, 242-pound Cannella has also spent time with the Packers (2022), Seahawks (2023) and Buccaneers (2024) in addition to stints in the USFL and XFL.
The Browns picked him up in June after he earned All-UFL honors with the Arlington Renegades in 2025, when he recorded 44 catches for 474 yards and one touchdown.
In three preseason games with Cleveland, Cannella had 67 receiving yards on nine receptions. The Browns wound up cutting Cannella but re-added him to their practice squad ahead of the regular season.
Cannellaâs most productive season came in 2024 with the Renegades, when he had 53 catches for 497 yards and six touchdowns to lead all tight ends. He signed with the Buccaneers in July 2024 but was waived the following month.
Browns Elevate Veteran QB to Back Up Sanders
In addition to elevating Cannella, the Browns also added quarterback Bailey Zappe to their active roster. The 2022 fourth-round pick is in line to be the backup to Shedeur Sanders. Rookie Dillon Gabriel, the teamâs usual No. 2 quarterback, is listed as questionable with a left shoulder injury.
Zappe has played in 15 games with nine starts over three seasons. His only regular-season appearance as a Brown came in Week 18 in 2024. He was 16-of-31 passing for 170 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 35-10 loss to the Ravens.
The Browns remain last place in the AFC North at 3-12.
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