Super Bowl hero set to make his Browns debut

The Cleveland Browns' starting lineup has changed considerably since Week 1.

The Browns traded wide receiver Amari Cooper to Buffalo on October 15 — just before quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury and running back Nick Chubb made his season debut in Week 7. This week, rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. suffered a knee injury during practice. That's before mentioning the shuffling of the offensive line.

Still, perhaps the most unexpected shift is coming in Week 11.

On Saturday, November 16, the Browns announced that wide receiver Kadarius Toney had been elevated from the practice squad. Toney, 25, will wear No. 87 and is expected to make his Browns debut against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, November 17. 

In early September, the Browns signed Toney to their practice squad after the Kansas City Chiefs cut Toney on August 27. 

The New York Giants took Toney in the first round (No. 20 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Florida Gator saw limited action during his rookie campaign with the Giants — logging 39 catches for 420 yards and no touchdowns across 10 games (four starts) in 2021. Toney appeared in two games in 2022 before New York traded him to Kansas City on October 27, 2022. 

The trade paid off for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. Toney caught a touchdown pass to put Kansas City up 28-27 early in the fourth quarter. One Philadelphia possession later, Toney ripped off a 65-yard punt return to set up the Chiefs at the Eagles' five-yard line, extending their lead to 35-27 three plays later. The Chiefs won 38-35.

However, Toney's 2023 season was mired in controversy and incessant drops. Toney last played for the Chiefs in Week 15. He was ruled out due to hip/ankle injuries in the Divisional Round and AFC Championship Game and inactive for the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory over San Francisco.

All told, Toney recorded 27 catches on 38 targets for 169 yards and one touchdown across 13 games (two starts) last season.

According to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, the Browns could utilize Toney as a returner in Week 11.

The 2-7 Browns and 3-7 Saints have a 1 p.m. ET kickoff in New Orleans.