CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Browns have signed free agent running back Thomas Clayton, who played in two games for them last season.

The team was in dire need for a back with Montario Hardesty expected to miss games with a torn calf muscle and Peyton Hillis slowed by a hamstring injury that has kept him out of Cleveland's past two games. Clayton was active in two games for the Browns in 2010.

His agent, JR Rickert, confirmed the Browns signed Clayton following a tryout at the team's facility Tuesday. The team has not yet announced the move.

Clayton was with Seattle during the preseason before he was released. He will join Chris Ogbonnaya in Cleveland's backfield until Hardesty or Hillis gets healthy.

The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Clayton was signed to the Browns' practice squad last September. He bounced back and forth between Cleveland and New England. He played in the Patriots' season finale.