Browns Place Punter Richmond McGee on IR, Sign Brad Maynard

Sunday was not kind to Cleveland Browns punter Richmond McGee, as his agent revealed today that his client was playing with a herniated disc in his back during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. McGee suffered the injury in warm-ups, which contributed to his poor performance on the field.

The Browns have placed McGee on injured reserve, ending his season. On Tuesday, the team signed 14-year veteran Brad Maynard as his replacement. He has spent time with the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and, most recently, the Houston Texans. Browns fans won’t be happy to know that Maynard’s gross average of 40.1 yards was the lowest among NFL punters last season.

On Sunday, McGee kicked his first punt for only 20 yards and would kick punts of 28 and 30 yards before the day was over, putting his gross average at only 36.0 yards on eight punts. Judging by the reaction to his performance on Sunday, it was possible that the Browns would make a move before finding out that McGee was even hurt.