Yesterday the Cleveland Brownssigned former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro-Bowl kick returner Clifton Smith. Multi-weapon and return man Joshua Cribbs dislocated four toes in his right foot, leaving only his big toe in tact. Smith played for the Buccaneers in 2008 and 2009 and was on the Miami Dolphinsroster for two games this season. During his tenure with the Bucs, Smith averaged 28.3 yards per kick return and 12.1 yards per punt return. He's a threat returning the football.
Smith was added because of Josh Cribbs injury, who typically handles their kick return duties. The injury to Cribbs however, offers more than just kick return problems for the Browns. Those who remember the Browns game last season remember how Josh Cribbs just killed the Jaguars. On the 2010 season, Cribbs only has 235 receiving yards, 69 rushing yards, and so-so on kick and punt returns. In 2009 against the Jaguars defense though, he didn't do any damage catching the football, it was all on the ground. Cribbs had six carries for 47 yards, including a back breaking 25 yard run and a 14 yard touchdown run. The injury to Cribbs will hurt the Browns more than just the return game.