Winston (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Monday, Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winston hasn't practiced since Aug. 15 and missed the team's last two preseason games with a hurt shoulder. Instead of cutting him, the Browns decided to place him on IR with hopes he'll be able to contribute at some point in the future. The 27-year-old was far down on the depth chart before being injured, fighting with a handful of other players for the third running back spot.

Winston (shoulder) did not play in Thursday's preseason loss to the Falcons, George Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winston hasn't practiced since injuring his shoulder on Monday. The third-year back is near the bottom of the Browns depth chart and will need a very strong camp performance to make the team and see any role on offense.

Winston sat out of Monday's practice as he is dealing with a shoulder injury, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old has played his first two seasons with the Browns, but has only posted one rush for negative eight yards. He currently sits at fifth on the team's depth chart at running back, and figures to have a long shot at making the final roster.

Winston, who did not play Week 17 due to a concussion, finished the season with one rushing attempt for a loss of eight yards.

EDGE Analysis

To make matters worse, that single attempt resulted in Winston losing a fumble. The 26-year-old back was active for three games this season, primarily to provide an emergency option behind Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson following the release of Robert Turbin. Winston is on a team-friendly contract for another season, one in which he'll likely serve a similar role.

Winston (knee) will be activated from the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list this week, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winston returned to practice in late October, and it appears he is ready for game action after a couple weeks of practice. The Browns cleared the road for him to return by waiving fellow running back Robert Turbin on Tuesday. Head coach Mike Pettine has been impressed by Winston's work in practice, but Winston will slot in as the third running back on the Browns' depth chart, and will have to earn a regular role in the offense.

Winston (knee) -- who is one the Browns' non-football injury list -- returned to practice Wednesday, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winston, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Aug. 6, is eligible to play as soon as this coming weekend. He will now need to be activated by the team within three weeks, or else he'll remain on the team's reserve list for the rest of the season.

Winston will begin this season on the Browns' Reserve/Non-Football Injury list, Cleveland.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Winston underwent a knee scope at the beginning of training camp and won't be available as the Browns embark on Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday. When he returns healthy, Winston could help add depth to an already banged-up Browns backfield.

Winston is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Colts. Coach Mike Pettine insinuated this week that the team would take a longer look at Winston in the backfield, but he apparently didn't like what he saw. He had been active for back-to-back games following the release of Ben Tate, but the recently-signed Shaun Draughn will be active for the Sunday contest instead. Isaiah Crowell's minor hip injury and Terrance West's ball security issues hinted that an opportunity for Winston may have been knocking on the door, but this no longer appears to be the case.

Browns coach Mike Pettine said the team will "look at" giving Winston some reps with the regular offense, ESPN Cleveland reports. Terrance West sloppily lost a fumble during Sunday's loss to the Bills, after putting a ball on the ground the previous week in Atlanta. While Pettine didn't make any promises, it's possible Winston could get some of the work behind presumed lead back Isaiah Crowell. Winston enters a Week 14 game against the Colts with zero carries or receptions this season.

Winston's road to activation has just been paved clearer, as the Browns released Ben Tate on Tuesday. Winston has been active just three times this season, but the special teams ace should now be poised to take the field more regularly, as he has one less running back standing in his way. It's unlikely he sees much work on offense, but if an injury or fall from grace were to happen to either Isaiah Crowell or Terrance West, Winston would suddenly become fantasy-relevant.