The Cleveland Browns released running back Ben Tate on Tuesday. The move comes two days after the Browns played the Houston Texans, Tate’s former team.
The Browns made Tate the captain for Sunday’s game against the Texans. He was given the ball twice on Sunday and rushed for minus nine yards. After the game Tate declined doing interviews, but was forced to stay by a member of the Browns media relations staff, according to the Associated Press. During the interviews he gave short answers and got into a short exchange with one of the reporters.
Tate said laws week that he wasn’t satisfied with the Brown running back rotation. The release of Tate was explained by Browns general manager Ray Farmer 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.''
Tate signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Browns in March. He was with the Texans the last three years. Earlier this season he missed two games due to a sprained knee. Of the eight games he has played in, he has started six of them. His playing time has gone down due to the emergence of rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West. Tate averaged 3.1 yards a carry while rushing for 333 yards this season, according to USA Today.
It is unknown where Tate will end up. The Browns could add the recently reinstated Josh Gordon to their roster since they didn’t make a corresponding transaction when they released Tate.