BEREA, Ohio – Coach Mike Pettine said multiple factors, including off-field issues, contributed to the Browns release of halfback Ben Tate.

It didn't take long for the veteran to find a new home as the Vikings claimed him Wednesday afternoon on waivers.

"We just felt at the time given all the circumstances rolled together, that it was the move that was best for the Browns," Pettine said on Wednesday. "Is Ben Tate a capable NFL back? Absolutely. We just felt, given where we were, that it was time for us to move on."

Tate publicly stated his dissatisfaction with the Browns' three-running back rotation and his diminishing role in it last week. Pettine was asked specifically whether the running back's off-field behavior factored into the decision.

"I guess it could be perceived as that, but we factored in all the circumstances," he said. "To answer your question, some of it was factored in, but that wasn't the exclusive reason. I think it was more of a football decision, but that was part of it."

The Browns will employ a two-back rotation for Sunday's game against the Falcons with Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. Undrafted free agent Glenn Winston, however, expects to start getting more practice reps at the position.

Pettine said the progress of Crowell and the desire to give him more playing time played a role in the decision to release Tate. Crowell, who started against the Texans, leads the team with five rushing touchdowns. He has run for 358 yards on 78 carries. Fellow rookie Terrance West has rushed for 408 yards and 112 attempts.

Crowell has lost two fumbles, including one against the Texans, and had another overturned versus the Bengals.

"I don't see him as having a fumbling problem," Pettine said. "The issue that he had . . . I think he was trying to switch (hands with) the ball and got caught. I thought (Texans LB Brian) Cushing made a heck of a play. He hit right on top of it . . . I think if we get his fundamentals cleaned up...I think how he holds the ball is not an issue. It's 'don't try to change the ball in traffic.'"

Quick chat

West said he exchanged text messages with Tate on Tuesday after his release.

"I just said, 'Keep your head up. I'm quite sure a team will pick you up ASAP. You're a good running back,'" West said. "He's like, 'Yeah, I appreciate it.' Then, we just started talking about some other stuff."

The Towson University product believes "no one's the man," in the backfield and expects to split carries with Crowell. He's not worried about the all-rookie backfield that remains in Tate's absence.

West and Crowell carried the workload for two-plus games early in season when Tate suffered a knee injury.

"We're not rookies no more," West said. "We were rookies in OTAs. Right now, I'm a vet. I've been playing. I got through my first game, and that's how you've got to look at it. That's how you've got to attack the game. Throw away the rookies."

Big moment

Winston, who contributes on special teams, is anxious to start getting more practice reps at running back. His main focus is the "mental aspect" of the position, which includes the blocking scheme and pass protection.

"I don't think I'm getting carries just yet," the rookie said. "Maybe a little down the road. I'm obviously excited. I've worked all my life for this and I feel like I can be one of the best. If I get the mental aspect of the game down I'll be all right."

Injury update

The following players did not practice on Wednesday: Jabaal Sheard (foot), Karlos Dansby (knee), Jordan Cameron (concussion), Johnson Bademosi (concussion), Ahtyba Rubin (knee), Joe Thomas (rest).

Divisional dominance

The winner of the AFC North could be determined by which team doesn't trip up against their NFC South opponents. Those two divisions are scheduled against each other this season and thus far the AFC North holds a dominating 8-1-1 record.

The Browns still have two games against clubs from that division – Falcons and Panthers. It's the only division that doesn't have team .500 or better. The Falcons and Saints are leaders at 4-6.

Quotable

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan on team's decision to trade up with the Browns to get receiver Julio Jones:

"I was excited. I had a backup quarterback at the time, a third string quarterback in John Parker Wilson, who played with Julio at Alabama. He didn't shut up about him the entire time he was here, and so I got to watch him a little bit in college because one of my good buddies was a huge fan. When he got here and we picked him up, I was fired up. I had heard a lot about him, the kind of work ethic that he had, the skillset that he had so when that trade got pulled off, I don't think there was anybody in the city of Atlanta or the state of Georgia that was more fired up than me."

Coaching reunion

Falcons coach Mike Smith, a former Ravens assistant, was in Baltimore at the same time as Browns coach Mike Pettine.

"Mike is a very demanding coach, and the players have responded extremely well," Smith said of They're 6-4. They're right in the middle of a battle for a playoff spot in the AFC. He's done an outstanding job. He's got to be considered Coach of the Year in my opinion."