Demetric Felton only played 3 offensive snaps Sunday for the Cleveland Browns.
But he sure made the most of the opportunities he got against the Texans.
Felton opened the game with a spry 25-yard kickoff return, using some juke moves to get the ball to the 32.
#Browns RB Demetric Felton played 3 snaps on offense yesterday:
2 receptions on 2 targets for 51 yards and a TD (ridiculous 98.7 PFF grade, but obviously extremely small sample size).
Another weapon for the offense, who might be needed more with the Landry injury.
— Cody Suek (@CodySuek) September 20, 2021
Then he made a defender whiff with a smooth cut on an 18-yard catch and run.
But his second catch was one for the highlight reels.
Felton took a short pass from the goal line and weaved his way through blockers and defenders.
Demetric Felton spin move shook three defenders 😨
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/zH0SMt5ayL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 19, 2021
Along the way, he pulled a superb spin move that left 3 Texan defenders tackling air.
That 33-yard touchdown was enough to make most of us forget he muffed a punt, which he recovered.
But did Kevin Stefanski see enough to give Felton more offensive snaps after Jarvis Landry‘s injury?
What If Odell Beckham Jr. Returns?
Mary Kay Cabot reports sources tell her Odell Beckham Jr is ready to return in Week 3.
And even though Stefanski says he’ll know by Wednesday, Grant Delpit might have slipped with some secret info.
So what if Odell Beckham returns to the field against Chicago?
He should slide right into Jarvis Landry’s role, right?
#Browns Coach Stefanski said we should know on Wednesday whether or not OBJ will be available for Sunday’s game
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) September 20, 2021
Not exactly, as Beckham will almost certainly be on a limited snap count.
OBJ still has taken no contact since his 2020 ACL injury.
Demetric Felton is already the de facto WR5, with Rashard Higgins ready to play OBJ’s role again.
It could be Higgins sees more snaps, or that he splits the OBJ relief role with Felton.
Can Felton Take Somebody Else’s Snaps?
Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz are the other active roster wide receivers.
Schwartz could be in Kevin Stefanski’s doghouse for a while after he pulled up short on a pass play Sunday.
Stefanski had some terse words for Schwartz on the sideline and told reporters his rookie won’t make the mistake again.
But could that be because Felton and/or Higgins jump ahead of him in the pecking order?
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said Anthony Schwartz made a mistake not following through on the play that ended in the INT/Baker injury. Said that's a mistake he won't make again.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) September 19, 2021
Meanwhile, Peoples-Jones has just 1 target in each game despite playing a majority of snaps.
He caught both passes, but he let a Houston defender put his helmet on the ball and lost the fumble.
Stefanski will undoubtedly discuss securing the ball in a better place when coming down over the middle.
But given his limited usage, would it make sense to give some of DPJ’s snaps to Felton?
What If Both Landry and OBJ Are Out?
If Stefanski is not satisfied with Odell Beckham’s readiness for Week 3, there will have to be some roster move.
Davion Davis came off suspension this week and was promptly released to the waiver wire.
He could be re-signed to the practice squad if he clears, but his release indicates he is not the next man up.
Cleveland can activate JoJo Natson and/or Ja’Marcus Bradley off the practice squad for Sunday.
#Browns RB Kareem Hunt on WR Jarvis Landry being week to week with sprained MCL: We lose a big-time leader, mentality, playmaker, I can't wait for him to get healthy and back out there
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) September 20, 2021
Natson could take over the return duties and allow Felton to concentrate on a bigger role in the offense.
But unless Peoples-Jones or Schwartz is really headed for less playing time, Felton is still the third or fourth option.
The third option assures plenty of snaps for Felton to do his magic.
But if Rashard Higgins is elevated to the OBJ role over Schwartz, Felton’s could see just a small bump.
Or… Stefanski Can Just Create Opportunities
Kevin Stefanski enjoys a reputation as a pretty intelligent offensive mind.
He didn’t get that reputation by wasting explosive offensive resources.
Of course, Felton’s performance was very limited in scope, as exciting as it was.
But it is enough to expect Stefanski will try to give him more chances to spark the offense.
#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski on RB/WR Demetric Felton: "His role will grow. As a rookie, he's doing a nice job for us. He, obviously, made an incredible individual effort on that play (TD)."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 19, 2021
Remember, Felton is a running back by trade, and he can go into motion or catch passes from the backfield.
He is not as fast as Schwartz or Beckham, but his juke moves make him an option for quick throws behind the line.
Regardless of how Stefanski sees his elusive rookie’s role, he is sure to see more snaps as the season goes on.
And that gives Browns fans one more thing to look forward to on Sunday.
NEXT: Grant Delpit Has Impressive NFL Debut Against Texans
