The Cleveland Browns released wide receiver Kole Wilson from the practice squad Friday to make room for Jimmy Horn Jr., the team announced.
Wilson, a 22-year-old undrafted rookie out of Baylor, had been with Cleveland since May.
The Browns signed him as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft, waived him in the final cut to 53 on Aug. 30, then brought him back the next day when they assembled the practice squad.
The 5-foot-7, 177-pound receiver from Katy, Texas, finished his college career at Baylor with 44 catches for 591 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games last season. He also returned 30 kickoffs for 705 yards.
Earlier stops at Incarnate Word and Texas State produced more production, including 66 receptions for 747 yards and eight scores in 2023.
Cleveland liked his speed and return ability, but a crowded receiver room and practice-squad limits left little room once a more experienced option became available.
Horn, a 2025 sixth-round pick of the Carolina Panthers, was waived this week after a rough Week 1. He muffed a punt while trying to fair-catch against the Chicago Bears. In 13 games as a rookie he caught 11 passes for 108 yards and also contributed as a returner.
The Browns moved quickly after reports that several teams wanted him. Horn spent two seasons at Colorado with Browns backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders; the pair connected on 95 catches for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns.
The timing also fits Cleveland’s special-teams needs. Running back Dylan Sampson, who had return duties, was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury after Week 1.
Horn offers experience in that role as the Browns prepare for Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay.
Wilson can now sign with another team’s practice squad or wait to see if Cleveland or someone else brings him back later.
Practice-squad turnover is common this early in the season, especially at receiver, where the Browns already have Jerry Jeudy, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion and others on the 53-man roster plus Bub Means on the practice squad.
The move is a small one on paper. For Wilson it ends a short first chapter in the NFL. For Horn it is a reunion with a familiar quarterback and a chance to stick after a difficult start in Carolina.
Cleveland will keep shuffling the bottom of the roster as injuries and weekly evaluations dictate. Wilson’s next opportunity is now elsewhere.
