The Browns are under a month away from the start of training camp, which will kick off with their visit to the Greenbrier. To prepare for training camp, we're putting together a preview of each position on the roster. Let's take a look at the running backs as the next part of the series.
The Running Backs:
Nick Chubb
Jerome Ford
D'Onta Foreman
Nyheim Hines
John Kelly Jr.
Giovanni Ricci
Aidan Robbins
Pierre Strong Jr.
What we know: The Browns fortified their running back room during the offseason, as they signed Hines, Foreman and Ricci during free agency, who each have experience in the league and have played different roles over their careers. Hines has established himself as both a pass-catching threat out of the backfield, as well as a strong kick returner. Foreman brings veteran presence to the room as he is entering his eighth NFL and began his career alongside WB Deshaun Watson in Houston. Ricci is also officially listed as a fullback for the Browns and provides another weapon in the run game.
The new additions join a group that was led last season by Ford after Chubb suffered a season-ending injury. Chubb has continued to progress in his recovery and said during OTAs that he believes he is "where I need to be." The return of their star running back will play an integral role in the development of the run game in 2024, especially in new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey's offense.
The biggest question: How will the Browns split up the running back duties? Chubb is their star running back, but as he makes his return to the field for the first time following his season-ending knee injury, there is still the uncertainty of how quickly he can return to his previous production. Ford, who stepped into the featured back role in 2023, may have to take a step back into a backup role behind Chubb. The Browns will also have to find playing time for their other backs either in the run game or other roles on special teams.
The X-Factor: Chubb. The Browns missed their star running back during the 2023 season and saw their run game slightly decline because of his absence. While Players like Ford, Strong and Kareem Hunt stepped in to fill the void, Chubb has played an integral role in the success of the Browns' run game since his arrival in Cleveland in 2018. The four-time Pro Bowler has rushed for 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns on 1,238 carries in his six seasons. He also has 123 receptions for 1,011 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The biggest number: 204 – Ford's carries during the 2023 season. That number significantly jumped from his rookie season in 2022 when he had eight carries and was limited mainly to kickoff return, to becoming the featured back for the Browns after Chubb suffered the season-ending knee injury in Week 2. Ford showcased his skillset as a threat in the run game as he finished the season with 813 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also added 44 receptions for 319 yards and five touchdowns. As the Browns see how Chubb responds in his return, Ford still can play a vital role as a backup rusher.
Says it all: "He is working like crazy. And I get to witness it in our building, I get to see him in our meetings, he's a huge, huge part of our program. He's a huge part of what we do. And I'll let Nick speak for himself, but I get to witness him work firsthand." – Head coach Kevin Stefanski on Chubb's progress
How many were kept on the initial 53-man roster last year: 3
