CLEVELAND – Browns linebacker Scott Fujita will not play in the season opener today against the Eagles, despite his suspension being lifted Friday. He remains on the team’s exempt list and isn’t on the active roster.
The Browns inactives are: receiver Jordan Norwood, running back Chris Ogbonnaya, rookie cornerback Trevin Wade, safety Usama Young, rookie linebacker James-Michael Johnson (ribs, oblique), offensive lineman Oniel Cousins (ankle) and quarterback Thaddeus Lewis.
Ogbonnaya returned this week from an ankle injury and is the fourth running back.
The Browns announced that undrafted rookie linebacker L.J. Fort will start on the strong side in place of Johnson, who was replacing Fujita. Rookie sixth-round pick Billy Winn will start at defensive tackle and rotate with third-rounder John Hughes.
Fujita missed much of the preseason with a knee injury and was prohibited from practicing last week under a three-game suspension for his alleged role in the Saints’ bounty scandal. He warmed up on the field before the game and looked fine running, but may not have been ready to play without a week of preparation.
The three-judge panel that reinstated Fujita and three other former Saints teammates Friday afternoon sent the case back to commissioner Roger Goodell. He may reapply or alter the discipline as soon as this week.
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