Earlier this week, the Browns announced that left guard Joel Bitonio would miss an extended period of time with a mid-foot injury.
They provided more clarity on just how extended that period would be on Friday. The Browns have placed Bitonio on injured reserve, which means he will miss at least the next eight weeks and potentially the rest of the season.
Bitonio ended last season on injured reserve due to an ankle injury so it is two straight years that the Browns will have to spend time without their 2014 second-round pick. Bitonio has started all 31 games he’s played for the Browns and he’ll be missed on a line that’s helped the Browns rank fifth in the league in rushing to this point in the season.
Center Cameron Erving is expected back in the lineup this week, which will allow the Browns to move John Greco back to right guard. Alvin Bailey had been in that spot and could switch to the left side or the Browns could take a look at the recently acquired Jonathan Cooper.
The Browns signed fullback Dan Vitale to the 53-man roster with Bitonio heading to I.R. Vitale was a seventh-round pick of the Buccaneers this year and spent a day with the Bills after failing to make Tampa’s initial 53-man roster.