Browns Discover Torn ACL for WR Charles Johnson During Physical

May 10, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Charles Johnson works out during the Green Bay Packers rookie orientation weekend. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

In somewhat bizarre news, the Browns apparently discovered that wide receiver Charles Johnson, whom they signed off of the Green Bay Packers practice squad, has a torn ACL in one of his knees.  This is bizarre for a few reasons.  First, it is unclear how Johnson did not know there was a problem.  Second, the Packers did not know.  So, did these two parties legitimately not know that Johnson had a torn ACL or did it happen recently; as in the last couple of days recently.  It will be interesting to see if the truth comes out on how this could happen.

It is fair to note that while Johnson will ultimately be placed on the non-football injury list, he can still potentially offer the Browns insight into the Packers offense.  This type of information tends to be limited in how far it can go, but does have value.  And this is something the Patriots and Bill Belichick have done in the past grabbing players on practice squads or from free agency and basically paying them for information and insight.

The Browns are stuck with Johnson for three weeks, so they are stuck with him for a while.  Fortunately, they used the spot vacated by Brian Hoyer (also a victim of an ACL tear), so the net loss of roster spots is zero.  It will be worth seeing if when they can get rid of his roster spot, if they will bring in another quarterback or if they will opt to add another position player.