The Cleveland Browns saw a steep dropoff in their rushing attack after the injury to superstar running back Nick Chubb in Week 2.
While Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt did their best to hold down the fort, they were one of the least efficient duos in the NFL a year ago. With Hunt now departed, the Browns have brought in D’Onta Foreman to take over his role, adding Nyheim Hines as a receiving back and return specialist as well. Most importantly, however: the Browns are expected to get Chubb back at some point in the 2024 season.
Can Ford see an uptick in production this season until Chubb returns? Can the highly efficient (on minimal opportunities) Foreman step in and take on a bulk of the workload?
ESPN’s Mike Clay has released his 2024 projections, including ranking every running back room in the NFL. Where does Cleveland’s running back room rank among the other 31 units around the league? Let’s peek behind the curtain and see:
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Dec 29, 2019; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates with offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (left) and center Travis Frederick (right) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Moss, Chase Brown, Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans
Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss (21) rushes the ball Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Las Vegas Raiders: Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah, Alexander Mattison, Dylan Laube
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) gains yardage against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Chargers: Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Isaiah Spiller, Kimani Vidal
Dec 11, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Baltimore won 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns free safety John Johnson (43) and outside linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) tackle Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants: Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) tracker and tackled Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary (26) in the first quarter of a Week 10 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Carolina Panthers: Jonathon Brooks, Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Rashaad Penny
Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) runs for the first down against TCU Horned Frogs in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November. 11, 2023, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.
Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford, Nyheim Hines, D’Onta Foreman
Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, Myles Gaskin
Dec 8, 2019; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates with fans in the stands after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills: James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans
Sep 24, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) carries the ball as Washington Commanders linebacker Cody Barton (57) defends during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, Chase Edmonds, Sean Tucker
Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver David Moore (19) celebrates his touchdown with running back Rachaad White (1) during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Titans: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut, Hassan Haskins
Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals: James Conner, Trey Benson, Michael Carter, Emari Demercado
Jan 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) stiff arms Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans: Joe Mixon, Dare Ogunbowale, Dameon Pierce, Jawhar Jordan
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) eyes the end zone on a run in the first quarter during a Week 18 NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris, Jamycal Hasty
Nov 7, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) with the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback Keith Taylor (28) and safety Jeremy Chinn (21) defend in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears: D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Khalil Herbert, Travis Homer
Oct 8, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) runs the ball against Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Keaontay Ingram, Deneric Prince
Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Boston Scott
Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) reacts after a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, D’Ernest Johnson, Keilan Robinson
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) is pressured by Houston Texans linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (45) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Texans won 13-6. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Washington Commanders: Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez, Jeremy McNichols
Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) carries the ball during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, AJ Dillon, Emanuel Wilson
Jan 7, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman (33) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, Jordan Mims
41: Alvin Kamara
Miami Dolphins: Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Jeff Wilson Jr.
Nov 6, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor, Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, Tyler Goodson
Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry, Keaton Mitchell, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is stopped by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Devin Bush (0) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023.
Philadelphia Eagles: Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley, Tyrion Davis-Price
Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets: Breece Hall, Israel Abanikanda, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis
Oct 16, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (59) chases New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) during the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Wm. Glasheen/Appleton Post-Crescent-USA TODAY NETWORK
Seattle Seahawks: Ken Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh, George Holani
Oct 29, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) carries the ball while Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill (1) chases during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan, Avery Williams
Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) carries the ball against Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.
San Francisco 49ers: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo
Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) on his way to a 23-yard touchdown run against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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