Thomas

Clayton

With Peyton Hillis (hamstring) questionable and Montario Hardesty (calf) out, the Browns needed some insurance. Clayton, a 2007 sixth-round pick of the 49ers, spent time with the Browns during last season but managed just one carry in two appearances. He’s been out of the league since getting cut by the Seahawks prior to Week 1. There’s no upside here, even if Hillis sits. In that case, Chris Ogbonnaya would be a better bet for carries against the Texans.

The Browns are quickly getting healthy in the backfield, so Clayton’s services were no longer needed as insurance for third-stringer Chris Ogbonnaya. Clayton wound up with a pathetic 12 yards on eight carries during his short stay.

Even though Chris Ogbonnaya fumbled on his first carry, the Browns had no intention of giving the newly-signed Clayton real work. His only touches came deep in the fourth quarter with the game already over.

A fringe NFL talent, Clayton has 15 career carries with the Browns and Patriots. At 28, he figures to be no more than a camp body and is unlikely to threaten Alfonso Smith for the No. 4 job.

Clayton was buried behind Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams, La’Rod Stephens-Howling, William Powell, Javarris James, and Alfonso Smith on Arizona’s 90-man roster. His injury was never disclosed, but Clayton wasn’t going to make the team.

A four-game ban is often the result of a positive test for performance enhancers. The former 49ers sixth-rounder was in camp with the Cardinals this past summer.

Maurice Hicks and Thomas Clayton will be his main in-camp competition. Robinson should be the pick currently for owners handcuffing Frank Gore.

Clayton is a between-the-tackles runner whose off-field problems caused his stock to drop. Frank Gore has shaky backups, so Clayton does have some upward mobility if he can make the 49ers as a special teamer.

Clayton is 225 pounds, but he plays shiftier than that. “He’s more a first- and second-down back,” Nolan said. Clayton will compete in a wide-open battle to be Frank Gore’s backup with Maurice Hicks and Michael Robinson.

Clayton should make it to the practice squad. Maurice Hicks and Michael Robinson have a grip on the two spots behind Frank Gore. This is another sign that the Niners have full faith in Gore being 100 percent by the opener.