Cleveland Browns: Terrance Mitchell returns from injured reserve at the perfect time

Terrance “Money” Mitchell being activated off the injured reserve list couldn’t come at a better time for the Cleveland Browns.

The Cleveland Browns defense will be receiving a much needed shot in the arm this week with activation of Terrance Mitchell off of the IR. Mitchell suffered a fractured forearm back in week four against the Oakland Raiders. At the time of the injury, he was playing the best football of his five-year career.

When John Dorsey was collecting veteran defensive backs this last off-season Mitchell was an after-thought. Although he was coming off his best season as a professional in Kansas City, where he finished with four interceptions, the other two cornerbacks that Dorsey brought in, E.J. Gaines and T.J. Carrie, were both more coveted.

From the beginning of training camp, it was evident that Money Mitch came to play. He quickly rose up the depth chart and was starting opposite Denzel Ward almost immediately. Along with Damarious Randall, the Browns defensive backfield was solidified.

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The off-season makeover that Dorsey orchestrated was truly impressive. With Gaines and Carrie providing depth, what was once a weak point was now a strength.

To start the season the defensive backs were causing turnovers at a record pace, with Mitchell causing three himself in the first three games. Then came the injury. Suddenly the depth began to dissipate.

Gaines has since been placed on the IR due to multiple concussions, and Carrie has played up and down as the starter. Randall has even had to come down from his free safety position to play cornerback in some spots.

The return of Money Mitch couldn’t come at a better time. Denzel Ward was forced out of the game last Sunday due to a concussion, and his status is uncertain. He will enter the league’s concussion protocol, so there is no guarantee that he will be available this week.

The ideal situation would be for Mitchell and Ward to finish the season as the starters, just as they started it. These final four games will crucial in determining what the team’s biggest needs will be in the off-season. It would be nice to cross cornerback off of that list.