Lawrence

Vickers

“He’s going to be competitive when we get to this (training) camp,” Crennel said. “If he’s tough enough, he’s got a chance.” Vickers is being groomed for short-yardage work.

Vickers was stuffed twice on third-and-ones. Charlie Frye (six scrambles, 44 yards) was the Browns’ most effective rusher in the game.

Signed to a two-year deal as Vonta Leach’s replacement last August, Vickers had a bounce-back season after a down 2010, but performed nowhere near the level the Texans had become accustomed to with Leach. The Texans will continue to feature James Casey as their fullback moving forward.

It’s somewhat surprising after Tony Fiammetta took the Cowboys’ lead blocker role and ran with it last season, but Dallas might want insurance after an inner-ear infection sidelined Fiammetta for much of the second half.

This signing bodes poorly for Tony Fiammmetta’s future in Dallas after the two sides were unable to reach agreement on a long-term deal early in the week. Fiammetta ended up being non-tendered. We believe the 29-year-old Vickers will be a slight downgrade on Fiammetta as a lead blocker.

Vickers is owed $1.2 million in 2013, the final year of a two-year pact. He played sparingly in 2012, and there are far cheaper lead blocker options out there.

Owner Jerry Jones has already proclaimed Randle as DeMarco Murray’s backup, so Tanner will have to fight Lance Dunbar for No. 3 duties. Beat writer Calvin Watkins believes Tanner has fallen out of favor, and will lose his roster spot to FB Lawrence Vickers. Tanner’s Dynasty light is flickering.

“It won’t keep him out of training camp, but will limit him during (offseason) training,” owner/GM Jerry Jones said. With a $1.2 million base salary, Vickers is squarely on the roster bubble.

Harrison, Roth, and Vickers have not stated their intentions in refusing to sign their tenders, while Elam and Jackson are known to be in search of long-term deals. The OTAs are voluntary, but the Browns have a mandatory minicamp June 10-12. If they’re still unsigned, the players may skip that camp too.