Armond

Smith

It’s a sign that the Browns are concerned about Peyton Hillis’ (hamstring) status this week. Newly signed Chris Ogbonnaya has a size advantage over the water-bug Smith and can play meaningful snaps behind Montario Hardesty if Hillis sits out against the Seahawks.

Smith was waived earlier this week when the Browns signed RB Chris Ogbonnaya to add depth behind Montario Hardesty with Peyton Hillis (hamstring) missing the entire week of practice. To make room on the roster they released Xavier Omon from the practice squad.

Smith turned heads last offseason, but his outlook predictably went south with pads on. Smith (5'9/194) earned three regular season carries, gaining two yards.

Undrafted out of Union College, Smith turned heads with his blazing speed in Browns camp last summer. While he did average an impressive 6.2 yards per on 31 preseason carries, the smallish Smith saw only three regular-season carries in Cleveland.

Smith failed to impress in minicamps after being claimed off waivers from the Browns in May. The Panthers signed LB David Nixon to take Smith’s roster spot.

A former undrafted free agent out of Union College, Smith will be a camp body for the remainder of August. Ramsey was undrafted this past April.

Smith rushed for 150 yards on 35 preseason carries for a 4.3 YPC average. His elevation suggests Jonathan Stewart will be hard-pressed to return from a pair of ankle injuries this week. The Panthers preferred Austin to veteran OL Jeremy Bridges, who was waived in a corresponding move.

Coach Ron Rivera said there “may be an opportunity or two offensively” for Smith because “guys like that deserve a chance to get on the field.” The primary runners versus the Falcons will be DeAngelo Williams and Cam Newton. Smith won’t see more than a few carries unless Williams is injured.

Carolina officially activated Jonathan Stewart (ankles) from short-term I.R. Saturday. Smith is the odd man out in the backfield. He stood out in the 2012 preseason (4.3 YPC) but has rushed for just seven yards on ten real carries.

The Browns were the only team to call the undersized Union College (KY) star this summer. Smith is “running away from defenders and moving with confidence” in camp practices. As Quinn Porter showed last year with the Packers, undrafted camp sensations rarely make fantasy waves as a rookie.