The Cleveland Browns have signed kick returner Clifton Smith, who will step in for Pro Bowl return man Josh Cribbs, according to source with knowledge of the situation.
Cribbs reportedly dislocated four of his right toes in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the New York JetsJets. His status for next Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is in enough doubt that the team worked out Smith, a former Pro Bowl selection for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers whose 2009 season was ended by a concussion.
Smith was cut by the Buccaneers in the preseason, then spent time with the Miami Dolphins. He worked out for the Browns on Tuesday.
The Browns also worked out cornerbacks Eric King and Jon Wade, and they will sign King, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound King is a sixth-year pro who has played for the Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills.
The Browns on Tuesday also released backup quarterback Brett Ratliff and punter Dave Zastudil, who had been on injured reserve with a knee injury, and placed starting offensive guard Billy Yates on injured reserve with a biceps injury.
Ratliff returned to the Browns earlier this season after Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace suffered ankle injuries. He was waived by Cleveland after training camp and was signed to New England's practice squad.
With Delhomme and Wallace back and rookie Colt McCoy playing well, Ratliff became expendable.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
