The Cleveland Browns have signed FB Dan Vitale (pronounced vuh-TAL-ee) from Tampa Bay's practice squad. In addition, the team placed OL Joel Bitonio (foot) on injured reserve.
Vitale is a 6-1, 239 pound rookie out of Northwestern. Originally selected by Tampa Bay in the sixth round, he has spent the entire season on the Buccaneers' practice squad. As a senior, he led Northwestern in receptions (33), receiving yards (355) and receiving touchdowns (four). A native of Wheaton, Ill., Vitale graduated from Wheaton-Warrenville South High School. He will wear No. 40.
Bitonio, a second-round pick in 2014, started all five games this season and helped the Browns rank fourth in the NFL in rushing average (5.62) and fifth in rushing yards (624). He sustained a mid-foot injury during Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.
