Ross

Tucker

''It’s been a while, and I could tell,’' Tucker said. ''I felt a little sluggish out there. I just have to get used to moving. It’ll take a few days to get everything back, but it’s coming.’'

He’s recovering from off-season back surgery.

The Browns have lost two starting centers for the year and have been on a mission, acquiring several journeymen as replacements. A former starter in Buffalo, Tucker will compete with Alonzo Ephraim to be first-string in Cleveland. No Browns skill position player is helped by the deal.

He was a third-stringer in New England at best, but is the best option Cleveland has after losing two players to injury.

He’s day-to-day. Buffalo can ill-afford injuries to their questionable O-line.

The journeyman was trying to make the club as a reserve swing player.

Tucker had a brief run in December on New England’s bench when injuries struck. He can back up multiple spots.

Tucker started 12 games for the Bills. This is an indication that rookie tackle Nick Kazcur could miss more time. The Patriots are hurting on the O-line.

Tucker is surprising because they traded for him in August. Cleveland will enter the season with Rob Smith and Lennie Friedman at center. McIntyre was bounced by versatile rookie Lawrence Vickers.

Tucker is versatile, but couldn’t make a poor Cleveland team last training camp.