After massive injuries to their defensive tackle room, the Cleveland Browns attempted to upgrade that room. While he ultimately landed with the Houston Texans, the Browns tried to claim defensive tackle Teair Tartt off of waivers after he was cut from the Tennessee Titans.
With Maurice Hurst landing on Injured Reserve, and with Jordan Elliott questionable to play against the Chicago Bears this past weekend (he ultimately did play), this was a smart move to make for one of the better pure run stuffers in the NFL.
For now, it will continue to be rookie Siaki Ika who will see playing time after the injury to Hurst. Ika made his debut this past weekend against the Bears, playing 17 snaps, 12 of which came against run plays. At minimum, he is a big dude who can cause a pileup in gaps when he is playing the run.
The continued great play from Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris, including the steady improvement from Elliott continues to float this Cleveland interior despite their efforts to add another talent to the group.
Instead, the Browns will play Tartt this week in Houston, who had a higher priority on the waiver wire than them.
