It is only Wednesday, and the Cleveland Browns do not play for four more days so it is not time yet to panic about the running back situation.
Kareem Hunt, Nick Chubb, and Demetric Felton were not available last week.
D’Ernest Johnson had to carry the load.
Will any of these players be available on Sunday?
Here is what we know so far.
Kareem Hunt
Hunt has been ruled out for the Week 11 game against the Detroit Lions.
This will be the fifth straight game he has missed with the calf strain.
Kareem Hunt (calf) will not play this week but is getting close per Stefanski #Browns
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 17, 2021
Coach Stefanski said that he is “getting close”.
Could that mean he will be ready for the big Sunday Night Football game in Week 12 at Baltimore?
Hopefully, the answer is yes.
Nick Chubb
Chubb is still on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
He missed the Patriots game.
Though he is vaccinated, Chubb still needs to have two negative tests 24 hours apart.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said they're still monitoring Nick Chubb and taking it day by day as they wait for him to return from the COVID-19 list.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 17, 2021
If Chubb is able to play on Sunday, it would be a big emotional lift for this team after the terrible loss in his absence last week.
Demetric Felton
Felton is in the same situation as Chubb.
He is still on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, and we have not heard many updates about his status.
#Browns Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton not activated off COVID-19 reserve yet
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 17, 2021
Stump Mitchell Visits Practice
At last, there is good news.
Running backs coach Stump Mitchell, who has been away from the team dealing with a medical matter, visited practice today and was welcomed with open arms by D’Ernest Johnson and Baker Mayfield.
#Browns RB coach Stump Mitchell is visiting practice today. Mitchell has been tending to a medical issue related to a previous knee injury for weeks. RB D'Ernest Johnson and QB Baker Mayfield embraced Mitchell as he watched practice beside the field.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) November 17, 2021
Browns Need A Healthy Running Backs Room With Stump Mitchell Back
The Browns need to get healthy.
To begin with, this team must beat the winless Detroit Lions soundly and with certainty.
After that, they need to focus on the big game with the Baltimore Ravens.
The best way for all of these things to happen is to get healthy players like Hunt, Chubb, and Felton back with Stump Mitchell on the sidelines.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Admits He Feels As Beat Up As Ever
