CLEVELAND — Two weeks ago, the Cleveland Browns placed punter Jamie Gillan on the COVID-19 list. As it turns out, when "The Scottish Hammer" makes his return to action, it will likely be with a different team.
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Browns are releasing Gillan, who has missed each of Cleveland's past two games while on the COVID-19 list. In Gillan's place, the Browns will keep veteran Dustin Colquitt, who has punted for Cleveland in Gillan's absence.
Cleveland's decision to cut Gillan doesn't come as much of a surprise, as the 24-year-old had struggled through much of his third season with the Browns. In 12 games, the 2019 PFWAA All-Rookie selection averaged 43.9 yards on 42 punts, 15 of which landed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
But while Cleveland even went as far as to try out other punters earlier this season, it wasn't until Gillan landed on the COVID-19 list that the Browns turned to an alternative. In his two starts, the 39-year-old Colquitt has averaged 42.4 yards on 12 punts, four of which landed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Colquitt played six games for the Atlanta Falcons earlier this season before being released after missing two games while on the COVID-19 list. Prior to his time in Atlanta, the former University of Tennessee standout spent 15 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs (2005-19) before stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2020 season.