The Cleveland Browns have waived wide receiver Luke Floriea with an injury designation after he made a strong impression during training camp and the preseason.
Floriea, who went undrafted out of Kent State, earned an extended look with the Browns after a standout rookie minicamp as a tryout player. He continued to turn heads in camp with big plays, including the top highlight of the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers — a 30-yard, one-handed grab along the sideline.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski offered a one-word response on the severity of Floriea’s injury before the roster move was announced.
“Serious,” Stefanski said.
Floriea had initially downplayed the injury after the game.
“It’s good,” Floriea said. “It just cramped up a little bit. Need to hydrate better during the week. Take care of myself better. It’s something to learn from.”
If Floriea clears waivers, he will revert to the Browns’ injured reserve list. The two sides could agree on an injury settlement, which would allow him to become a free agent and sign with any team — including the Browns — once he’s healthy.
Browns insider Brad Stainbrook reported that it’s likely Floriea ends up on the team’s practice squad.
“Luke Floriea suffered a light Grade 2 hamstring injury on Friday night, per a league source,” Stainbrook wrote on X. “I’m told there is NO surgery needed, timetable 2-3 weeks. Not viewed as serious as expected, but team wants to resign the Kent alum when healthy. Floriea impressed early in camp and is a prime practice squad candidate.”
Browns WR Jerry Jeudy Disappointed About Luke Floriea Release
Floriea earned the respect of many in the building during his stint in Cleveland, including Browns No. 1 receiver Jerry Jeudy.
“That (stinks) man,” Jeudy said on Monday. “Luke has been out here grinding and doing his thing ever since he stepped foot out here, so it’s kind of frustrating him dealing with that. But Luke’s a baller so he’s going attack his workout, make sure he comes back healthy and do his thing.”
There was an opportunity for Floriea to climb the depth chart in Cleveland. Outside of Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, there’s little certainty in the wide receiver corps.
With Floriea sidelined — at least for now — Gage Larvadain and Kaden Davis are two players to watch. Davis bolstered his case with a pair of touchdown grabs against the Panthers.
“This is a very humbling league, so anytime you get an opportunity to step out on that field … put your best foot forward and see what happens, try to make the most of it,” Davis said.
Browns Make Other Roster Moves
Getty ImagesThe Browns have waived Luke Floriea.
In addition to waiving Floriea, the Browns released offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka and signed cornerbacks Christian Holmes and Darius Rush.
Holmes, a seventh-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2022, has appeared in 30 career games. Rush was selected in the fifth round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 and has played in five games.
The moves come as the Browns deal with depth concerns at cornerback. Starter Martin Emerson Jr. is out for the season with an Achilles injury, and Greg Newsome — expected to replace Emerson on the outside — has been sidelined with a shoulder issue. Stefanski said Newsome is “not a full go” but is making progress.
Cameron Mitchell, Tony Brown II and Chigozie Anusiem are also competing for snaps in the secondary.
Cleveland will hold joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles this week before facing them Saturday in its second preseason game.
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