As with many teams around the league, the Cleveland Browns have already done some roster shuffling that was pre-planned, necessary procedural maneuvers pertaining to the Reserve/Injured List. In order for a player to be eligible to receive the Designated For Return label and be able to play again that season without being released, they must be on the initial 53-man roster.
That’s why the Browns kept second-year linebacker Jacob Phillips on the initial 53-man roster, even though he suffered a torn bicep in practice last month. Including him on the roster before moving him to the Reserve/Injured List, which they did on Wednesday, at least leaves open the possibility that he could play again in 2021.