BEREA – When the Browns decided to keep all three running backs—namely Lee Suggs, Reuben Droughns and William Green-- in the final cuts, many thought there
would not be enough room for them all.
In a matter of a couple of days, the Browns could potentially be without all
three players for Sunday’s game.
Droughns was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle early Tuesday
morning and he is schedule to appear in court on Friday.
Suggs is out with a broken thumb and Green’s ankle sprain was worse than
first thought and he is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game.
Droughns is a first time offender and he will most likely not be suspended
for the game according to Romeo Crennel.
“Rueben’s disappointed this has happened,” Crennel said. “His people will
handle that and we’ll see how this plays out.
“We’re going to let the case run it course,” he said. “I don’t anticipate any
problems. Reuben’s been in the league six years and I think this is his first
incident. If he’s convicted then some of those things will be involved in the
NFL’s substance abuse program.”
According to NFL policy, an alcohol related arrest could enter a player into
Stage One of the league’s substance abuse program and be subject to random
testing. Once in Stage one, failed tests or another arrest could result in a
league suspension or fines imposed by the league commissioner.
Droughns appeared before the media and apologized.
“I can’t say too much, but the only thing I can say is that I’m sorry,” he
said. “It was a situation where I used bad judgment.
“It’s been tough,” he said. “I’ve had trouble sleeping because I feel I
disrespected the team.”
Droughns said he was out with his wife and family after a Halloween party and
it was the first time this has happened to him. He feels the best way for him to
make up to the team is to go out and play well against the Titans.
“My teammates are behind me because this could’ve happened to anyone,” he
said. “I want to go out and have a good game.”
Droughns has rushed for 530 yards this season and has been one of the bright
spots in a disappointing season thus far.
“Reuben has been a leader and has done everything we’ve asked him to do,”
Crennel said. “It looks like he’s on course to gain similar yards that he gained
in Denver.”
Crennel was asked if he’d discipline Droughns.
“Reuben is part of the family,” he said. “If my daughter had done what Reuben
had done I wouldn’t kick her out. This is the first time. If it was the 15th
time, if it got that far, it would be different. We’re going to let the case run
its course.”
Crennel takes the plight at the running back position in stride.
“It’s football,” he said. “Injuries happen to every team. If you can’t deal
with injuries, you’re probably in the wrong business.”
If Green cannot play Sunday, the team might activate Jason Wright from the
practice squad or move backup Corey McIntyre to the halfback spot. The Browns
have an opening on the roster after waiving Billy Miller on Tuesday.
Crennel said McIntyre would be the backup.
“If William is unable to go, Corey will go in there.
If the Browns pair Terrelle Smith (242 pounds) and McIntyre (246 pounds),
that would be interesting.
“If I were to run behind Terrelle, that would be a big package,” McIntyre
said.
Crennel said Wright has been impressive in practice. The 5-10, 210 pound
Wright played his college ball at Northwestern.
“He’s shown some ability and has been able to make cuts and do some things,”
Crennel said.