Published: September 07, 2009 01:21 pm      

Jennings signed to Browns’ practice squad

CLEVELAND — Chris Jennings was one of six players signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad on Monday.

Jennings, the former All-State linebacker at Fairview High School in 2003, made an impression in his two preseason appearances as a running back.

Jennings showed versatility with his running and receiving ability He had one carry for four yards and a 27-yard reception in the Browns' 23-17 home win over the Titans. Five days later against the Bears, Jennings rushed 17 times for 59 yards with a long of 13. In addition to the carries, Jennings had a game-high six receptions for 42 yards.

Jennings was released by the Montreal Alouettes on Aug. 15 and signed by the Browns. He played two years at Arizona and had a tryout last summer with the Browns before being released.

Jennings signed a one-year contract with the Browns. He will practice with the team each week but is not eligible to play in games. However, if someone is injured, Jennings could be called up to the 53-man roster.

Under NFL rules, the Browns could add two more players to the practice squad.

The Browns also signed defensive back Brandon Anderson, linebacker Titus Brown, wide receiver Lance Leggett, offensive lineman Pat Murray and defensive lineman Brian Schaefering to the practice squad. Each player spent time with the Browns during training camp and the preseason.

Anderson, a rookie out of The University of Akron, was signed to the Browns practice squad after appearing in three preseason games. Anderson registered two solo tackles and two passes defended. The two defended passes came in the Browns' 27-10 victory over the Lions.

Brown is in his second year with the team and played against the Packers in the preseason. Brown played in four games last year and had one special teams tackle.

Leggett, also in his second year with the Browns, played in all four preseason games and caught two passes against the Bears. Leggett spent the 2008 season on the Browns practice squad.

Murray spent the first week of the preseason on the Broncos roster and played in their loss to San Francisco before being signed by the Browns. Once he joined the Browns, Murray played in their three remaining preseason games.

Schaefering was a late addition to the roster during training camp, as were Anderson, Jennings and Murray. He made a big impact in last Thursday's preseason finale against the Bears. Schaefering was the Browns' second-leading tackler with six stops, including five solo. He also registered two quarterback sacks.