BEREA, Ohio -- An offensive line that was already lacking in depth took a hit on Wednesday when the Cleveland Browns announced that they have released offensive tackle Desmond Harrison.
Harrison, who started eight games for the Browns at left tackle last season, wasn't on the field when Cleveland took the field for the first of its three minicamp sessions on Tuesday. Asked about his absence, Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens said the 25-year-old had missed a flight.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Harrison's release comes after the Browns believed he had been missing and/or late for responsibilities.
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of West Georgia a year ago, Harrison became the Browns' unlikely starter at left tackle in their season-opening tie vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to Pro Football Focus, Harrison ranked as the No. 67 offensive tackle in the NFL last season with a grade of 57.1.
But after an up-and-down first half of the season, he ultimately lost his starting spot to Greg Robinson due to injury. Harrison never regained his starting role, with the Browns bringing Robinson back on a one-year contract in 2019.
Nevertheless, Cleveland had been counting on Harrison to serve as its top reserve offensive tackle entering 2019 and a player it could potentially develop into a starter down the road. Without Harrison, the Browns relied upon Kendall Lamm and Bryan Wintzmann as their second-team offensive tackles on Tuesday. Cleveland also drafted Southeastern Missouri State offensive lineman Drew Forbes in the sixth round of this year's NFL Draft.
The Browns will hold their second of three minicamp sessions this week on Wednesday with practice scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m.
