Several Browns offensive players breathed a sigh of relief on Monday. That's because the final cuts of the first wave were all defensive players. Only three players received a permanent axe, and all six of the player who were cut had injury issues. As expected, weakside LB Chris Gocong (Achilles surgery) and DT Phil Taylor (pectoral surgery) were placed on the shelf. Gocong is out for the season, but Taylor could return as soon as Week 7.
Notable cuts: DE Marcus Benard (4th year, Jackson State) -- He never recovered from a myriad issues after showing promise in 2010 with 7 1/2 sacks. Benard gained too much weight in transitioning from LB to DE after that season. He then missed most of 2011 due to injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident. He played well at times this preseason, but a dislocated elbow suffered last Friday against Philadelphia precipitated this move.
Waived/Injured list
DL Auston English (2nd year, Oklahoma); DB Antwuan Reed (1st year, Pitt).
Injured Reserve List
LB Emmanuel Acho (1st year, Texas); LB Chris Gocong (6th year, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo).
PUP List
DT Phil Taylor (2nd year, Baylor)
Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCLE throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.
