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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 10:32 a.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2008

NFL: Browns place RB Wright on IR

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Versatile running back Jason Wright was placed on injured reserve by the injury-riddled Cleveland Browns today.

Wright hurt his ankle in Sunday's 14-0 loss to Cincinnati, the Browns' fifth straight and the fifth game in a row they failed to score an offensive touchdown.

Wright played in every game this season on offense and special teams. He rushed for 85 yards on 23 carries and caught 22 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown.

The Browns (4-11) have been banged up all season and may have to start recently signed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski in Sunday's finale at Pittsburgh. Quarterback Ken Dorsey hurt his ribs and sustained a mild concussion against the Bengals. He was only playing because both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn were lost with season-ending injuries.

Gradkowski, signed as a free agent Dec. 2, replaced Dorsey in the fourth quarter against the Bengals and was 2-of-5 with one interception. Coach Crennel may sign quarterback Richard Bartel off the practice squad, and if Gradkowski starts, return specialist Josh Cribbs could get more time at quarterback.

With tight ends Kellen Winslow (ankle) and Steve Heiden (knee surgery) sidelined and Darnell Dinkins slowed by an ankle injury, the Browns signed tight end Brad Cieslak to the active roster. Cieslak was with the Browns in training camp before he was waived Aug. 30.