Ex-Bear TE Michael Gaines ends up in Cleveland

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent tight end Michael Gaines.

Gaines has spent parts of seasons with Carolina, Buffalo, Detroit and Chicago. He was released by the Bears on Oct. 17 after playing in one game. He has played 74 games --41 starts -- and caught 79 passes for 819 yards and five touchdowns during his NFL career.

The Browns are thin at tight end. Steve Heiden, who had offseason reconstructive surgery, missed last week's game in Pittsburgh and tight end Robert Royal left the game with an unspecified leg injury. Royal was one of 12 players who stayed home Wednesday with the flu.

With Heiden and Royal out, the Browns lined up guard Hank Fraley as a tight end in their loss to the Steelers.

The Browns also signed tight end Colin Cloherty to the practice squad. Signed as an undrafted free agent by Indianapolis in April, Cloherty was released by the Colts on Sept. 29.

Cloherty replaces offensive lineman Phil Trautwein, who was signed to St. Louis' 53-man roster.