Browns sign third punter of the season

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Just over a month since losing punter Reggie Hodges to a season-ending injury, the Cleveland Browns are already on his second replacement.

One game, three punters.

The Browns signed 14-year veteran punter Brad Maynard on Tuesday and placed Richmond McGee on injured reserve, two days after he injured his back during pregame warmups before his NFL debut.

Maynard spent the past 10 seasons with the Chicago Bears, the last three working with Browns first-year special teams coach Chris Tabor. The 37-year-old Maynard was released by the Bears in July and spent the exhibition season with Houston before the Texans waived him on Sept. 3.

The Browns were in an emergency situation after McGee herniated a disk in his back while kicking prior to Sunday’s season opener against Cincinnati.

McGee’s agent David Canter said the 28-year-old’s back was so bad during the game that he kicked without some feeling in his legs. McGee had a major role in the Browns’ 27-17 loss, averaging just 36 yards on eight punts. He shanked his first punt 20 yards, later had kicks of 28 and 30 and was booed by Browns fans.