CLEVELAND (AP) — Ben Tate doesn’t have to worry about losing carries with the Browns any longer.

The team released the disgruntled running back on Tuesday, two days after he was given the ball just twice in a matchup against the Houston Texans, his former team.

Tate signed a two-year, $6.2 million free agent contract in March with Cleveland to be the Browns’ every-down back. He rushed for 333 yards, but his playing time had been dwindling with the emergence of rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West.

Last week, Tate said he wasn’t satisfied with Cleveland’s running backs rotation and the team decided to move on without him.

Browns general manager Ray Farmer explained the move in a release.

“With all the transactions we make while constructing our roster, it will always be our intent to do what is best for our football team,” Farmer said. “This move is no different and we wish Ben the best going forward.”

On Sunday, Tate was made a captain for the game against the Texans, his team for four seasons. But he had just two rushes for minus-9 yards and initially declined interviews following the game. Tate began to leave the locker room without talking to reporters, but was coaxed to stay by a member of the team’s media relations staff.

Tate, who made six starts this season, rushed for 124 yards against Tennessee but hasn’t been as productive in recent weeks.



Pittsburgh
release Blount

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back LeGarrette Blount.

The move comes less than 24 hours after Blount left the field early in a victory over the Tennessee Titans on Monday night. Blount was in for just one play during Pittsburgh’s comeback 27-24 win and watched teammate Le’Veon Bell run for 204 yards and a touchdown.

The Steelers signed Blount to a two-year deal in the offseason hoping he would provide some muscle near the goal line. He rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown in a Week 3 win over Carolina but saw his playing time diminish in recent game.

Blount also ran into trouble off the field. He was cited for marijuana possession during a traffic stop in August.