Even though preseason standout wide receiver Luke Floriea was let go by the Cleveland Browns at the NFL deadline on Sunday, another undrafted training camp star managed to make the team. Despite suffering an injury late in camp, cornerback Michael Coats Jr. was on the 53-man roster, earning a spot with his strong play.
Coats was able to take advantage of the Browns’ dire need for depth at the position. He was part of a group that includes starters Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, nickel Myles Harden, and recently acquired Mekhi Blackmon and Toriano Pride Jr.
Now, just two days later, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the Browns have made a surprise roster move by placing Coats on waivers.
“Browns waiving Mike Coats Jr.,” Wilson posted.
#Browns waiving Mike Coats Jr.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 1, 2026
It is unclear if this comes with any kind of injury designation. Coats went down with a leg injury during one of the final training camp practices and had to be taken to the locker room on a cart. He also left the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears with a leg injury, after making an interception that earned him a spot on Pro Football Focus’ rookie team of the week.
At 5-foot-9, Coats’ ascension to an NFL roster was an inspiring story. After never playing football in high school, he played three years at the junior college level before moving on to Nevada and West Virginia and signing with the Browns this offseason as a 25-year-old rookie.
He had a very strong training camp, with Monken singling him out as one of the best young performers. But after claiming Pride on waivers from the Buffalo Bills, putting him immediately on the 53-man roster, and re-signing cornerbacks Myles Bryant and D’Angelo Ross to the practice squad, perhaps the Browns reexamined the plans they had for Coats.
It is possible that Coats will also join the practice squad, or perhaps he will be claimed by another team as he tries to continue his unlikely NFL journey.
NEXT: Browns Sign Former Broncos RB To Practice Squad
