Robert Turbin's long wait finally could be finally over.
The fourth-year running back whom the Browns acquired off the waiver wire shortly before the season opener is likely to be active Sunday against Denver. What kind of role he'll have against the undefeated Broncos is unclear, but there's no hiding the excitement Turbin has after a month-plus of waiting on the sidelines.
"It has been a long five weeks," said Turbin, who has been out with an ankle injury. "Coming back from injuries is always tough. Being released is always tough, dealing with that mentally. I am excited to have another opportunity and looking forward to making the most of it, definitely."
Turbin, who checks in at a sculpted 5-foot-10 and 222 pounds, spent his first three years in the NFL running behind Marshawn Lynch with the Seattle Seahawks. He compiled 928 rushing yards and 427 receiving yards during that span. He was released with an injury settlement at the end of the preseason.
His past five weeks with the Browns have been all about rehabilitating his ankle and learning the playbook.
"I feel ready to go," Turbin said. "I am excited about the opportunity and I can't wait. Obviously being out so long, sometimes your emotions get the best of you, but I think once kick off starts and I get a couple carries in all of that will settle down and it will just be football."
Turbin's likely return comes at an ideal time, as the Browns hope to establish a strong running attack against a Denver defense that is relentless at rushing the passer. Also, Isaiah Crowell is dealing with a toe injury that has him listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said the offense won't force the run if it isn't working against the Broncos, who also rank sixth in the league in rush defense, but called it a "priority."
"With any game, whether you are playing a team that rushes the quarterback really well or you are playing a team that maybe isn't so good at it, I think establishing the run game is ultimately very important all the time," Turbin said. "If we can do that, it definitely gives us advantage in the game Sunday."
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