CLEVELAND (Oct. 25, 2005) -- The Cleveland Browns placed cornerback Gary Baxter on injured reserve, ending his season, and promoted rookie wide receiver Brandon Rideau from the practice squad.
Baxter is out after tearing a pectoral muscle in the loss to the Detroit Lions and undergoing surgery. Baxter was one of Cleveland's biggest offseason acquisitions, signing a six-year free-agent contract in March. He finished the season with 20 tackles and two interceptions.
Rideau, an undrafted free agent from Kansas, was the biggest surprise of Cleveland's training camp. He made the team at the club's deepest position before being placed on the practice squad. He finished the exhibition season with seven catches for 84 yards.
The Browns also signed linebacker Clifton Smith to the practice squad. He spent the past two seasons with the Washington Redskins.
