Ever since Monday night when Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb was not in the Steelers’ game at critical moments, fans have been concerned about what is going on with Chubb.
After the game, Coach Stefanski admitted that Chubb suffered a rib injury during the game and needed rest.
#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski says RB Nick Chubb was banged up early on with a rib injury, needed some rest
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) January 4, 2022
Chubb’s Current Status
We also know that Chubb was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
RB, CLEVELAND BROWNS
Kareem Hunt (ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice for the second consecutive day.Nick Chubb (chest/ribs) was limited for a second consecutive practice on Thursday.
— Alex M. (@Ace77ofnocal) January 6, 2022
It is impossible to heal a rib injury in a matter of days so no one is exactly sure what that means for Chubb’s status on Sunday.
If Chubb cannot go or is limited in Sunday’s game, who is available to run the ball for the Browns?
What About Kareem Hunt?
Kareem Hunt has not played since Week 14 against the Ravens when he carried the ball just two times.
Between injuries and COVID-19, Hunt has only played in eight games this season.
He also has been limited in practice this week so it is unclear if he will play.
I hope Kareem Hunt gets well. Missed seeing him play a lot this season
— Sir Yacht (@SirYacht_) January 6, 2022
If Hunt is limited in the game or cannot play, where does that leave the Browns?
D’Ernest Johnson Is On Reserve/COVID-19 List
In the midst of a chaotic Browns news week, D’Ernest Johnson was quietly added to the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday.
#Browns RB D’Ernest Johnson is heading to the Covid list
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) January 4, 2022
There have been no updates on Johnson so it is not clear if he could be activated in time for Sunday’s game.
Could It Be Demetric Felton’s Time To Shine?
Moving down the depth chart, the next person could be rookie Demetric Felton.
Felton has been used mainly as a wide receiver this season with 163 yards and a touchdown.
However, he is the fourth running back on the Browns depth chart so realistically he is the next man up.
Someone I would really like to see get snaps this weekend is Demetric Felton. Dude is a big play waiting to happen and Id love to see him get some snaps in live action this weekend. Build some confidence for next year #Browns pic.twitter.com/GIf2kJdfYq
— Jacob Roach (@roachizm13) January 7, 2022
Browns Will Need To Be Creative
If Chubb, Hunt, and Johnson are not available, the Browns will need to be creative in their playcalling efforts.
WE GOT A FULLBACK TOUCHDOWN! @AndyJanovich #Browns
📺: #HOUvsCLE on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/ozN08og4Kw— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021
Fullback Andy Janovich is available and could get a heavier workload.
We will keep a close eye on who practices and in what capacity on Friday to get more clues about the health of Nick Chubb and the rest of the running backs.
NEXT: Browns Nation News And Notes (1/7/22)
What does it really matter
no
We need a new head coach 🙄
No, we need a new quarterback! Just sayin’…
we need dumb columnist to stop being let in as token ,the nflbis all full up of this nonsense
Browns fan since 1960..We need a new head coach, a OC. ,DC. and a new. QB.
chill out people you don’t build a dynasty in 2 years.
22 yrs?
Comparing Baker did Johnny Manziel it’s just dumb Baker has the heart of a champion and played broken Menzel was just a nothing Paul Finebaum should be fired
I would like to see Paul play one snap at qb in a nfl game
Why did we draft Mayfield? Someone tell me.
Best qb in browns history
That would be Otto Graham!
Otto Graham was the best QB in Browns history!
Browns fan since 1960..We need a new head coach, a OC. ,DC. and a new. QB.