The Cleveland Browns still have some big decisions to make on their active roster for their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. But they set the stage with some maneuvering on Saturday.
With limited spots available each week, every NFL team needs to maximize them as best they can. Cleveland is hoping it can do so with these recent changes.
The Browns have made two roster moves ahead of Sunday’s game, elevating linebacker Nathaniel Watson and cornerback D’Angelo Ross from the practice squad.
“The Browns have elevated LB Nathaniel Watson and CB D’Angelo Ross from the practice squad ahead of tomorrow’s season opener against the Jaguars,” Camryn Justice posted.
The #Browns have elevated LB Nathaniel Watson and CB D'Angelo Ross from the practice squad ahead of tomorrow's season opener against the Jaguars.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) September 12, 2026
According to NFL rules, each team can elevate two players from the practice squad for the upcoming game without having to use a spot on the 53-man roster. The players can then go back to the practice squad without having to clear waivers.
If Watson were to get into the game, it would be his first NFL appearance since the 2024 season finale. He suffered a season-ending biceps injury during training camp last August.
In his 14 games as a rookie, the sixth-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft made 14 combined tackles. He played 243 snaps on special teams, where he is likely to be used again while also providing depth behind starting linebackers Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, and backups Winston Reid and rookie Justin Jefferson.
After missing some time during training camp, Ross was released on cutdown day and re-signed with the practice squad. He has 36 games of NFL experience, including seven games with the Browns last season after time with the New England Patriots and Houston Texans.
He is another potential contributor on special teams and will provide depth behind cornerbacks Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Myles Harden, and backups Mekhi Blackmon, Toriano Pride Jr., and Noah Igbinoghene. It is interesting to note that Ross was elevated ahead of Michael Coats Jr., who was a star of training camp before suffering a minor leg injury.
The Browns will be hoping that Watson and Ross can play a role in what would be an upset victory over the Jaguars.
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