Ronnie

Harrison Jr.

Harrison, a former Browns defender, had two interceptions for the Colts in 2023 to go along with 20 tackles over seven games. The team reportedly prioritized bring back Harrison in a Colts secondary graded by PFF as last year’s 13th best coverage unit.

Harrison will take the place of LB Shaq Leonard, who was officially released from the team on Wednesday. Harrison appeared in 16 games for the Browns last season, which included five starts. The veteran safety totaled 24 tackles and one pass breakup while playing on 259 snaps, which was a career-low. He was released by the Colts at the end of August but then signed back to the practice squad.

The Colts signed Harrison to a one-year deal in mid-August, giving him just a few weeks to earn a roster spot out of camp. The former Browns safety played in 16 games for the Browns last season but played on a career-low 259 snaps. In addition to Harrison, the Colts also released WR Michael Strachan.

Harrison appeared in 16 games for the Browns last season, which included five starts. The veteran safety totaled 24 tackles and one pass breakup while playing on 259 snaps — a career-low. He’ll likely serve as added depth in the secondary for the Colts this upcoming season.

Harrison has played only 41 snaps through two weeks, but he is a versatile option at the back end of the Browns’ defense. His loss will create depth challenges. Harrison should be considered week to week.

Harrison appeared in 12 games last year, totaling three pass defenses and one interception while playing a mix of coverage and run-defense snaps. The Browns acquired Harrison from the Jags for a fifth-round pick ahead of the 2020 season. Harrison will operate as the team’s third safety with John Johnson and Grant Delpit projected as Cleveland’s starters.

Regardless of Harrison’s contact/symptom/vaccination status, he does not have enough time to get cleared for Saturday afternoon’s game against the Raiders and will be out for Week 15. The Browns are down bad on both sides of the ball, particularly on offense. Harrison has been providing replacement-level snaps on the whole but has been solid against the run. Harrison’s vaccination status will play a big part in whether he is cleared to go for Week 16 against the Packers, as he has just nine days with the Browns once again playing on Saturday.

This could explain why the team canceled practice Thursday. Harrison returned for the team’s Week 17 win over the Steelers after an extended absence after spraining his shoulder, making six tackles in the victory. Already without key players like LG Joel Bitonio and OL Nick Harris, the Browns will be without Harrison for their playoff game against the Steelers. Things could get ugly for the Browns on Sunday.

Harrison was designated to return from IR after missing the last three games. He got in some limited practice reps this week but the Browns are expected to move him slowly. Karl Joseph will continue to start until Harrison returns.

Harrison will miss 4-6 weeks with a shoulder sprain. That puts him on the border of returning during the regular season, although he should play in a potential playoff run if the Browns make it that far. Harrison was a starter in the middle of the season and becomes the latest defensive starter to miss time with injury.