Browns restricted free agent running back Jerome Harrison is participating in OTAs this week despite not signing his one-year tender yet.
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Harrison is practicing despite not being under contract.CLEVELAND -- Browns running back Jerome Harrison, who rushed for 561 yards in the final three games of last season, has been participating in organized team activities this week despite not signing his one-year tender yet.
Harrison was absent today, the one day of the week open to the media, but was here the first two days of the session. Coach Eric Mangini said Harrison's absence today was unrelated to his contract situation.
Mangini said Harrison is the only unrestricted free agent participating. The absentees are Matt Roth, D'Qwell Jackson, Lawrence Vickers and Abe Elam.
"I think it's good for everyone to be here because it's the second round of install and it helps the player and it helps us for when we go to camp,'' said Mangini. "I'm glad Jerome is here and I expect him to be here next week.''
The Browns have added two other running backs to compete with Harrison this season. Peyton Hillis was acquired in the trade with Denver for Brady Quinn, and the Browns traded up to draft Tennessee's Montario Hardesty in the second-round.
The Browns have said Harrison and Hardesty can provide a good one-two punch in the backfield, with Hardesty being more of the power back.
Harrison skipped the first session of OTAs last week presumably because of his contract situation.