Browns ink new punter

Published 2:14 am Wednesday, September 14, 2011

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns have signed veteran punter Brad Maynard to replace Richmond McGee, who injured his back in pregame warmups Sunday and is out for the season.

Maynard, a 14-year NFL veteran, played the past 10 seasons with the Chicago Bears. He was released in July and spent the exhibition season with Houston.

McGee herniated a back disk during warmups before the season opener against Cincinnati, his agent told the Associated Press on Tuesday. Agent David Canter said McGee’s back was so bad he lost feeling in his legs. He kicked anyway, averaging just 36 yards on eight punts in his pro debut.

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Cleveland has placed McGee on injured reserve. Coach Pat Shurmur didn’t mention McGee’s injury following Sunday’s game or during his Monday news conference.

McGee was signed in August after punter Reggie Hodges tore his Achilles’ tendon in practice and was lost for the season.