The Browns misplaced star working again Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee harm on Monday. Two days later, they’ve re-signed Chubb’s former working mate, Kareem Hunt, as an emergency reinforcement. This comes after coach Kevin Stefanski declared that Chubb’s in-game alternative, Jerome Ford, would function Cleveland’s “featured again” shifting ahead.
So the place, precisely, does the Browns’ backfield stand? Who’s really positioned to take over Chubb’s RB1 duties? Let’s dive in.
Who would be the Browns’ RB1?
Kareem Hunt is the larger identify, having spent the final 4 years working alongside Chubb. His new one-year contract is not nothing, both, contemplating it is reportedly price as much as $4 million — a complete that will make him comparably paid to high-end backups like Jamaal Williams, Samaje Perine and even Vikings starter Alexander Mattison. He is right here to contribute.
However for those who’re merely seeking to determine which again will get nearly all of touches with Chubb sidelined, it is a pretty secure wager that Jerome Ford will get the nod. Firstly, he unofficially beat out Hunt for the precise to enter 2023 as Chubb’s prime backup, with Cleveland electing to let Hunt stay unsigned in free company all summer season. Extra importantly, when pressed into motion Monday night time, Ford seemed the half in opposition to a bodily Steelers protection, topping 100 yards on the bottom and averaging nearly seven yards per contact.
With Kareem Hunt simply becoming a member of the group Tuesday, Jerome Ford looks like a begin this week in opposition to the Titans, however which different working backs must you play with confidence? And which of them must you keep away from? CBS Sports activities Senior Fantasy Author Jamey Eisenberg has you coated together with his Begin ‘Em & Sit ‘Em for Week 3.
Please verify the opt-in field to acknowledge that you simply wish to subscribe.
Thanks for signing up!
Regulate your inbox.
Sorry!
There was an error processing your subscription.
How do Ford and Hunt differ in type?
Years in the past, Hunt was lauded for his shiftiness, thriving as an open-field cross catcher en path to 4 completely different 35-catch seasons with the Chiefs and Browns. His pace appeared to wane in 2022, when he averaged simply 3.8 yards per carry, and reportedly contributed to his quiet market this summer season. Ford, alternatively, has a lot much less tread on the tires as a second-year participant additionally identified for his explosive burst. So, stylistically, the 2 aren’t all that completely different; it is simply that one is way brisker than the opposite.
How would possibly Ford and Hunt cut up touches?
That is the place it will get fascinating. Whereas Ford, 24, has extra explosion than Hunt, 28, the latter has three years of expertise in coach Kevin Stefanski’s system, drawing nearly 500 touches with the group since 2020. That historical past alone might give Hunt the early edge for red-zone and third-down touches. On one hand, once more, it is essential to recollect the Browns had been content material to enter this season with out him on the roster solely. On the opposite, they wasted no time reuniting with Hunt as emergency assist.
As for a possible workload divide, best-case state of affairs might be 70-30 in Ford’s favor, whereas 60-40 might find yourself being the traditional. At any price, on a run-centric group with a powerful offensive line, each backs ought to get alternatives. CBS Sports activities Fantasy skilled Jamey Eisenberg had no situation placing Ford atop his checklist of Week 3 waiver priorities at RB — even with the information a veteran may be becoming a member of the backfield — touting Ford’s upside and projecting him as a top-20 Fantasy RB for the rest of 2023.
Fantasy outlook
CBS Sports activities Fantasy Author Chris Towers: “The addition of Kareem Hunt clearly is not nice for Jerome Ford, as a result of Hunt ought to be capable to stand up to hurry comparatively rapidly given his information and expertise with the offense. Nevertheless, Hunt additionally seemed fairly dangerous final season and could not discover a job regardless of a number of visits with different NFL golf equipment. Hunt ought to have a job, and I would wager he’ll be the first third-down choice for the Browns, which limits Ford’s ceiling if he cannot earn passing work. However Hunt additionally seemed severely missing in explosiveness final season, so I would be fairly shocked if he grew to become the lead again with out an harm. The issue is, Ford would possibly simply be an early-down choice on a nasty group, and he in all probability does not have Nick Chubb’s preternatural skill to interrupt massive performs even in apparent working conditions. Which may depart Ford as only a fringe Fantasy Soccer starter who wants a landing most weeks to be price utilizing. I am viewing him as an RB3 shifting ahead, with Hunt solely price a speculative add as a bench stash for now.”
With Hunt simply becoming a member of the group Wednesday, Ford looks like a strong begin this week in opposition to the Titans, however which different working backs must you play with confidence? And which of them must you keep away from? CBS Sports activities Senior Fantasy Author Jamey Eisenberg has you coated together with his Begin ‘Em & Sit ‘Em for Week 3.
