Browns add Fullback Chris Pressley

September 23, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) celebrates with running back Chris Pressley (36) after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns have signed fullback Chris Pressley according to multiple reports.  Pressley had previously been with the Cincinnati Bengals before a knee injury ended his season last year and he became a free agent.  At the moment, he is the only pure blocking back on the roster, but it is no sure thing that he will make the final roster when training camp ends.

At this point, it is not clear if the Browns really want a true fullback or if they would rather use tight ends to make up for that need in short yardage and goal line situations.  Nevertheless, this move was met with glee by Tony Grossi, who has been desperately lobbying for a fullback since last season in his desperate attempt to take the Browns back to the 80’s.  Grossi has been the focal point of a frankly bizarre love affair elements of this fan base has with the fullback position since the team let go of Lawrence Vickers, the last pure blocking back the team had.  Vickers along with Phil Dawson may be in line to have their numbers retired if those fans had their way.

No word yet if Grossi will feature Pressley in a daily or weekly article as he tries to make the Browns roster.  Pressley has been the center of attention before as his story with the Bengals was one of those featured when the team was on HBO’s Hard Knocks a few years ago.  Pressley joins Andrew Hawkins as the second former Bengal the Browns have brought in during this free agent period.