CLEVELAND — On Thursday, the Cleveland Browns waived Antonio Callaway.
And it doesn't appear the troubled wide receiver will be returning to an NFL field anytime soon.
Shortly after the Browns announced their decision to cut ties with Callaway, reports surfaced that the 22-year-old was appealing a 10-game suspension for what would be his second violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy. On Friday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Callaway has lost that appeal and will indeed remain sidelined for the next to weeks, effectively ending his 2019 campaign.
Callaway served a four-game suspension to start the 2019 season following his first violation.
A fourth-round selection in 2018, Callaway showed promise in his rookie season with Cleveland, tallying 43 receptions for 586 yards and 5 touchdowns. He struggled with consistency and performance, however, upon returning from suspension in his second year, catching just 8 balls for 89 yards in 4 games.
In what would prove to be his final game as a member of the Browns roster, Callaway was a healthy scratch after reportedly arriving late for last weekend's 19-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills.