Browns add to QB Joe Flacco's protection ahead of playoffs

There might not be a team that has suffered more injuries than the Browns (11-5) this season. So, the team announced it is adding some much-needed depth to its offensive line on Wednesday.

Cleveland is signing veteran guard Rodger Saffold to its practice squad, increasing the depth in front of QB Joe Flacco, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Saffold, a two-time Pro Bowler, brings a lot of experience to the group as he has started 173 games in his 14-year NFL career. 

The 35-year-old's best days are certainly behind him, but he may just have enough gas left in the tank to help the Browns shock the football world in the postseason.

Ideally, Cleveland won't need to play Saffold. But the team has already seen injuries suffered by offensive linemen Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones and Dawson Deaton that resulted in them being put on injured reserve earlier this season.

The No. 33 overall pick in 2010 may suit up in Week 18, however, now that the Browns have the No. 5 seed locked up and could sit their starters because of it.

"My understanding is they would, in fact, look to rest starters for the playoffs if they have nothing to play for," Rapoport said following last week's win. "The Browns had 22 players on the injury report last week. They need a break."

Cleveland won't be able to sit all 22 of its starters but head coach Kevin Stefanski has quite the difficult decision ahead of who will get the week off.

QB Joe Flacco, WR Amari Cooper and DE Myles Garrett are a few, among others, who surely deserve to get some extra rest instead of playing in the Browns' regular season finale against the Bengals (8-8) on Sunday.