Cleveland Browns trade unhappy Jerome Harrison to Philadelphia Eagles; receive Mike Bell
With the emergence of Peyton Hillis as the feature running back for the Cleveland Browns, Jerome Harrison was unhappy and wanted out of Cleveland; he got his wish. The Browns shipped Harrison to the Philadelphia Eagles and in exchange acquired backup Mike
Bell.
Harrison has been very disappointed with his role in the Browns’ offence after such a strong showing towards the end of last season. Harrison had one of the best days in NFL history last year he rushed for 286 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the
final three games of the season, Harrison gained 561 yards. That wasn’t enough to convince the Browns though, as they traded for Hillis and drafted Montario Hardesty in the second round.
After signing with the Eagles in the offseason following a Super Bowl championship in New Orleans last year, Bell’s workload has been reduced as well. He has rushed for 28 yards on just 16 carries. He was backing up LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia and will
now backup Hillis in Cleveland.
In Week Five, Harrison only had six carries for six yards and the Sunday before, he had no carries in the Browns’ first win of the season. Harrison has mainly been playing on special teams. Browns’ coach Eric Mangini insisted that he wasn’t upset with Harrison
and that the five-year veteran had never approached him about receiving more playing time.
Bell missed most of training camp this year with a calf injury and wasn’t able to make a strong push for the starting job in Philadelphia. In a limited role last year for the Saints, Bell rushed for 654 yards and six touchdowns.
The Browns will need the best of what Bell can give them as they take on the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers’ defence this Sunday. With rookie quarterback Colt McCoy expected to make his first NFL start, the Browns will lean on their running game and need Bell
to contribute when filling in for Hillis.
Harrison will also deal with a tough defence when his new team hosts the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6. McCoy will probably start despite injured ribs but Harrison could contribute if McCoy’s snaps are reduced.
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