Rashard Higgins is sidelined with a knee injury. Derrick Willies and Rod Streater, his replacements in the Browns receiving corps, have both gone on injured reserve.

With rookies Antonio Callaway and Damion Ratley unreliable options at this point and no apparent outside help on the way in time for Sunday’s game in Tampa, it’s time for the Browns to look internally for better options to help out in the passing game.

The Browns do have some appealing possibilities. Duke Johnson immediately springs to mind. The running back has exceptional receiving skills and experience playing in the slot. But there is another…

Tight end Seth DeValve.

The third-year TE has just one catch on the season, a 26-yarder in the Week 5 win over the Ravens. DeValve has played just 16 total snaps in Cleveland’s six games, battling a nagging hamstring injury which dates back to the first week of training camp.

He showed legit promise last season when he caught 33 passes for 395 yards and a touchdown. Those 33 receptions were more than any Browns wide receiver. DeValve proved he could use his impressive speed and agility to get open and present himself as a reliable target.

Sure sounds like something the 2018 Browns could use right about now, eh?

If DeValve has any value with the team, if he has any viable future on the Browns roster, it’s time to prove it. It’s time for the coaching staff to let him prove it. If not now, it’s never going to happen in Cleveland for Seth DeValve.

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