The Cleveland Browns are bringing back a familiar name.
Cleveland’s defensive line is dealing with injuries as Mason Graham and Adin Huntington are both dealing with minor injuries. Maleik Collins, meanwhile, was placed on injured reserve. With that, the team decided to bring back defensive tackle Maurice Hurst to the practice squad, according to Camryn Justice.
Hurst played for the Browns in 2023 and 2024. He signed a one-year deal with Cleveland in 2023, leaving the San Francisco 49ers.
In his first year with the Browns, Hurst played in 13 games, recording 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed and an interception. After the one season, he re-signed with the team on another one-year deal.
However, in 2024, Hurst dealt with injuries as he suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve. He was activated a month later but only played in six games, recording 16 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
The defensive tackle has been a free agent since then, but Cleveland has brought back the fan-favorite player to add more depth to the defensive line.
Hurst is familiar with Jim Schwartz’s defensive system, so he could be thrust into game action on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. If he does play, he’ll be tasked with stopping the Bears’ dynamic duo of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.
Browns Fans Excited for Hurst to be Back
In his two years with Cleveland, Hurst became a fan favorite for his play and his personality.
Following the news that the Browns are bringing back Hurst to the practice squad, fans shared their excitement on social media.
“Shouldn’t be in free agency in the first place,” a fan wrote.
“This is awesome,” another fan added.
Hurst is known for his belly rubs after sacks or tackles for a loss, which Browns fans are excited to see again.
“Belly rubs are back!,” another Browns fan wrote.
“Massive W,” a fan wrote.
Hurst was a fifth-round pick in 2018 out of Michigan. In his NFL career, he’s recorded 116 tackles, 10 sacks, 10 pass defenses, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Kevin Stefanski Called Out Run Defense
The Browns’ bringing back Hurst also comes after head coach Kevin Stefanski called out the team’s run defense.
Cleveland suffered a 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans, and Stefanski wasn’t happy with the team’s run defense as Tennessee rushed for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
“Very disappointed. You have to give credit to the Titans; they won the game,” Stefanski said postgame on Sunday. “They made more plays than we did in the end, just disappointed with some of the things that happened that game. We expect more from our run defense.”
On Monday, Stefanski was asked about the run defense and admitted it was uncharacteristic for them.
“Yeah, like you said, we’ve been very good in that area. It was uncharacteristic for us. We’ll get back to work,” Stefanski said. … “Maliek’s a big part of who we are and our success and our culture and all those things. So, he’s – of course you’re going to miss him, but we expect the guys that are in there to do their job.”
Ultimately, the Browns opted to bring back Hurst to help stop the run.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Bring Back Fan-Favorite Defensive Tackle Amid Injuries appeared first on Heavy Sports.