The Browns lacked depth and experience at linebacker, especially after Mack Wilson hyperextended his left knee.
They addressed both areas by signing eight-year veteran Malcolm Smith on Sunday. He practiced with the team in the afternoon session.
Center Casey Dunn (foot) was waived/injured to clear a spot for Smith. The roster is at the 80-man limit.
Smith (6-foot, 225 pounds) was a seventh-round pick of the Seahawks in 2011 and has played in 104 regular-season games, including 52 starts. He was named Super Bowl MVP in the Seahawks’ win over the Broncos to end the 2013 season after an interception for a touchdown, a fumble recovery and 10 tackles.
Smith, 31, split last season between the Jaguars and Cowboys, appearing in four games.
He has 295 career tackles, 10 forced fumbles, six sacks, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
Wilson was injured Tuesday when he dived to break up a pass. A decision hasn’t been made whether he will need surgery, which could end his season.
Linebackers coach Jason Tarver said that without Wilson, B.J. Goodson, Sione Takitaki, rookie Jacob Phillips and Tae Davis would battle for playing time. Goodson has 29 starts in his career, while Davis has five and Takitaki one.
Browns return to building, practice after virus retests come back negative
INJURY REPORT
The practice was a light, 50-minute session with no 11-on-11 drills.
Tight end David Njoku (wrist), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin), receivers KhaDarel Hodge (personal) and Damion Ratley (groin), Wilson, center JC Tretter (knee surgery) and cornerback Kevin Johnson (lacerated liver) remained out.
