The Browns signed RS-RB Clifton Smith and CB Eric King, placed ORG Billy Yates on injured reserve and waived QB Brett Ratliff on Tuesday, the club announced.

Smith, 25, made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner as a rookie for Tampa Bay in 2008. The Buccaneers waived him in September, and he played two games with Miami before being waived on Sept. 21.

King has played for the Bills (2005), Titans (2006-08) and Lions (2009). Detroit waived him in the final round of cuts in September. King, 28, has made four career starts on defense. 

The 30-year-old Yates made three starts at right guard for Cleveland before suffering a season-ending biceps injury in Week 10. Rookie Shawn Lauvao or veteran Floyd Womack could replace him in the starting lineup.

The Browns signed Ratliff in October to back up Colt McCoy with QBs Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace battling ankle injuries. The 25-year-old Ratlff was Cleveland's No. 2 quarterback in three games but was the third quarterback in Week 10.

The way we see it

If RS-WR Joshua Cribbs can't play in Week 11, Smith would likely take his place on returns at Jacksonville. According to The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, Cribbs suffered four dislocated toes in the 26-20 OT loss to the Jets. Cribbs left the game in the first half and did not return to action.

King gives the Browns five cornerbacks on the roster, and his signing comes after CB Sheldon Brown suffered a shoulder injury against the Jets.

Ratliff's release is not a surprise with Wallace serving as the top backup last week and Delhomme returning to practice last week.