Browns RB Kareem Hunt Out Several Weeks

Kareem Hunt with Chiefs in 2018
Kareem Hunt with the Chiefs in 2018. Photo by Jason Pohuski/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9884708mk)

The Cleveland Browns are down two primary running backs after their Sunday loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The starter Nick Chubb was joined on the sidelines by their number two back Kareem Hunt, who is expected to miss “several weeks” due to a calf injury, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Hunt was hurt in the fourth quarter of the Cardinals game during a play where he initially served as a blocker. At one point, the 26-year-old pierced Arizona’s defensive line and collapsed on the ground while holding his calf. He had to be assisted by the Browns medical staff to get off the field and was later seen heading to the locker room on a cart.

While Stefanski didn’t detail Hunt’s injury, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the player is most likely headed to the injured reserve list. This will sideline Hunt for at least three games.

Hunt has been excellent for Cleveland this season, rushing for 361 yards and five touchdowns. He also made 20 catches for 161 yards.

The Browns previously lost Chubb to calf injury as well, although he isn’t hurt as bad as Hunt. Stefanski told the reporters that the 25-year-old Pro Bowler is “progressing” in his rehab and might return earlier than expected.

In case that Chubb can’t go against the Denver Broncos in Week 7, Cleveland will have to turn to third-year player D’Ernest Johnson and this year’s sixth-round pick Demetric Felton. Johnson has three carries for 11 yards in 2021 while Felton still hasn’t had a rushing attempt in his pro career.