With Eric Steinbach gone for the season, the Cleveland Browns felt they needed some depth at guard. Enter 10-year vet Artis Hicks, who was signed by the Browns to a one-year contract. Hicks was released by the Washington Redskins on Saturday.
Hicks was signed by current Browns GM Tom Heckert as an undrafted free agent when Heckert was with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002.
Hicks will immediately battle for the starting spot at left guard vacated by Steinbach when he underwent back surgery last week. Steinbach will miss the entire season. The Browns were currently starting rookie Jason Pinkston at LG, but Hicks will provide some much-needed experience should the rookie falter as the regular season amps up.
"We do like Pinkston a lot," said Heckert before Hicks was signed. "We think he's going to be a really good player. We'll see how it shakes out this week and who's going to be starting at left guard."
The Broncos waived offensive lineman Pat Murray to make room for Hicks on the roster.