BEREA, OHIO (AP) - The Cleveland Browns have been awarded offensive lineman Oniel Cousins off waivers from Baltimore, a move made for protection if they have to put left guard Eric Steinbach on injured reserve.
Steinbach, who has not missed a snap in two seasons, may need back surgery for a bulging disk. On Monday, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said the club was close to making a decision on Steinbach, an indispensable eight-year veteran who left practice two weeks ago when his back tightened.
Cousins was drafted by the Ravens in 2008. He made four starts and appeared in 25 games.
With Steinbach out, rookie guard Jason Pinkston, a fifth-round pick from Pittsburgh, has been working with the first-team offense.
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