Browns Sign Carsen Ryan, Place Michael Burton on IR
Cleveland promoted tight end Carsen Ryan from the practice squad while fullback Michael Burton sits on injured reserve with a calf injury.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Football
The Cleveland Browns signed tight end Carsen Ryan to the active roster from the practice squad and placed fullback Michael Burton on injured reserve with a calf injury. The club also elevated defensive back Zaire Mitchell-Paden from the practice squad.
Why it matters
The moves adjust Cleveland's depth at tight end and fullback as the roster works through injuries during the season. Ryan's promotion gives the Browns another option at a position where Burton's absence leaves the backfield depth thinner.
Ryan, a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of BYU, has appeared in eight games this season, while Burton has played in nine with two starts. The timeline for Burton's return from his calf injury has not been disclosed.
The players
Carsen Ryan
Ryan is a tight end who was drafted by Cleveland in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft after playing college football at BYU.
Michael Burton
Burton is a fullback who has played in nine games with two starts this season for the Cleveland Browns.
Zaire Mitchell-Paden
Mitchell-Paden is a defensive back who originally signed with Cleveland as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and has appeared in eight career games with the Ravens and Saints.
The details
The Browns announced the roster moves on Friday. Ryan moved from the practice squad to the active roster, and Burton was placed on injured reserve, which keeps him out for a minimum period. Mitchell-Paden was elevated from the practice squad to provide additional depth.
Timeline
2026 NFL Draft: Cleveland selects Carsen Ryan in the seventh round.
Nov. 14, 2026: Browns sign Ryan and place Burton on injured reserve.
Season Trajectory
Practice-squad elevations and promotions like these are a routine way NFL teams manage depth through injuries during the regular season. For Cleveland, the moves add tight end and defensive back depth without changing the broader competitive picture.
Ryan's promotion gives the Browns another active tight end, which can matter for fantasy and depth-chart watchers tracking snap counts. Burton's injured reserve placement removes a fullback from the active roster for at least the minimum period required.
The takeaway
Roster moves like these show how depth players at tight end and fullback can shift quickly when injuries hit. Watching practice-squad elevations is a useful way to track a team's short-term depth plans.
Further reading
For more on the team's depth chart and roster changes, see Cleveland Football.
