After losing RB Nick Chubb for the season in Week Two and dealing with injuries to QB Deshaun Watson, the Browns are now dealing with another injury in their backfield with RB Jerome Ford out 1-2 weeks with a “low-grade” high ankle sprain, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ford left Cleveland’s win over the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter. Cleveland came from behind to beat Indianapolis, largely on the strength of a touchdown run by RB Pierre Strong Jr., who replaced Ford. The Browns also have RB Kareem Hunt in the backfield, and Hunt and Strong should replace Ford.
It’s good news for Cleveland that Ford avoided a serious injury, and their trade acquisition of Strong in the preseason should aid them as they’re now down their top two running backs on the depth chart.
Hunt joined the Browns after the Chubb injury, and since then he’s totaled 32 carries for 103 yards and three touchdowns in four games. He’s also added five receptions for 46 yards in his return to Cleveland.
Cleveland travels to Seattle for a matchup with the Seahawks this week before hosting the Arizona Cardinals in Week Eight. The next time Pittsburgh sees Cleveland will be in Week 11, as the Steelers will look to sweep Cleveland with a matchup at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Steelers previously beat the Browns 26-22 in Week Two. In that game, Ford ran for 106 yards on 16 carries after he replaced Chubb. He had three receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown.
