There seems to be more bad news than good in recent weeks with the Cleveland Browns.
A win over the Detroit Lions alleviates some of that unease.
Still, it was an ugly looking win.
Plus, the team is far from at its best right now.
However, some good news from head coach Kevin Stefanski on Monday could provide some relief for the brown and orange this week.
Per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, tackle Jack Conklin and running back Kareem Hunt should return to practice this week and could be available for Sunday night’s battle with the Baltimore Ravens.
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski says he should be able to get Kareem Hunt and Jack Conklin back in practice this week. He said he’s hopeful they can face the #Ravens
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 22, 2021
For an offense that has sputtered in recent weeks, two big names returning on that side of the football is only good news.
Granted the offensive struggles have been more in the passing game.
Still, it’s hard for fans to complain about getting these two guys back.
“Hunt”-ing for a Big Day
It’s a joy to watch Kareem Hunt run the football.
His blend of power and speed is truly unique and a huge reason he once led the NFL in rushing yards.
Cleveland has certainly missed his presence in the backfield, even with Nick Chubb.
The crowd at First Energy Stadium gets a different sort of buzz going when Hunt and Chubb start running downhill on opponents.
This Kareem Hunt is as fun as is gets. Look at those hops. pic.twitter.com/btmKUtY9OV
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 22, 2020
It’s a helpless feeling as a defense when those two can stay fresh and attack aggressively all afternoon.
The Browns offense will gladly welcome that type of energy back if Hunt returns this week.
The home crowd will eagerly await his return after the bye week against these same Ravens.
Baker Mayfield is another name who will be cheerful in seeing Hunt return to the field.
He’s a great pass-catcher out of the backfield and another weapon Mayfield can rely on while dealing with his struggles.
The Foundation
A local high school team I cover has an offensive line that nicknamed themselves “The Foundation” (and rightfully so).
It’s appropriate for any offensive line, really, as the foundation of an offensive is built on the big guys up front.
Cleveland’s offensive line has not been perfect this season but they are still one of the best units in football when healthy.
The problem is they haven’t been fully healthy for much of the season.
A 308-pound piece of that pie could return this week in Jack Conklin.
Even with multiple weeks of missed time, he’s one of the most valuable pieces of this year’s Browns team.
Highest-graded #Browns through 10 games (min. 250 snaps):
1️⃣ Myles Garrett, EDGE- 92.0
2️⃣ Joel Bitonio, OG- 89.7
3️⃣ Wyatt Teller, OG- 87.5
4️⃣ Jack Conklin, OT- 78.6
5️⃣ Denzel Ward, CB- 78.0 pic.twitter.com/EX4UfUs20q— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) November 16, 2021
Conklin has improved his pass protection skills over the years and his return should help give Mayfield more time in the pocket.
Looking Ahead
The offensive issues extend beyond the absence of Hunt and Conklin.
However, getting two veterans will bring some stability back to that group.
With two massive divisional games against Baltimore coming up, a struggling offense will need as much help as they can get.
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