Nick Chubb can't wait to see what the Browns backfield will look like in the second half this season.
The Browns running back is looking forward to teaming up with Kareem Hunt after returns from an eight-game suspension due to an off-field incident while with the Kansas City Chiefs.
When Hunt returns, the Browns will have one of the most dynamic running back duos in the league. Hunt led the NFL in 2017 with 1,327 rushing yards and has 15 career touchdowns in 27 games, and Chubb rushed for 996 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie last season.
"It's going to be scary," Chubb said. "Kareem does a lot of great things. I've been watching him when I was in college and just last year from afar. He's a big playmaker. He makes explosive plays and is very athletic."
When Hunt returns, he might need a game or two to return to the same level he excelled at in Kansas City. The Browns, however, already have a formidable backfield with Chubb, who has been one of the top performers in camp thus far and should help ease Hunt back into play.
Chubb is counting down the days until Week 1 of the regular season, but he's also looking forward to Week 10. That's when the backfield could really shine and potentially give the Browns a playoff push most NFL teams desperately search for in the second half.
"(Hunt) does a lot of great things," Chubb said, "so it's going to be fun to play with him."
– The Browns' starting defensive linemen spent Monday's practice without wearing pads and watched from the sideline, but that doesn't mean it got a day off. Kitchens wanted to make sure that was clear.
"We're not giving people days off," Kitchens said. "If they're over there, they're over there for a reason."
Sheldon Richardson (abdomen) and Olivier Vernon (hamstring) have been sidelined for multiple practices because of their respective injuries. Myles Garrett (knee) and Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were newcomers to that group Monday.
– Richardson is one of the most experienced — and at nearly 300 pounds, beefy — veterans on the Browns' defensive line. After 10 days of navigating around Richardson in training camp, Chubb is just glad Richardson will be on the same team during gamedays.
"When he's in the game, I know that," Chubb said. "He can disrupt some things and do a lot of great things. He's aggressive and very powerful and strong. He makes plays in practice, and I know once the season starts, I'm going to be happy to not play against him and for him to be on my team."
– Head coach Freddie Kitchens expects Duke Johnson Jr. to return to practice soon. Johnson has been sidelined since the first week of camp with a hamstring injury.
– Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is also expected to be back soon after missing practice Monday with illness.
