Browns RB Kareem Hunt sends a clear message about new role

Kareem Hunt will take on an expanded role in the Cleveland Browns’ backfield, leaving Jerome Ford out.

Kareem Hunt started the season in his place, but the veteran now sees himself as a key player in the Cleveland Browns offense.
Hunt received several offers late in free agency, but decided to wait for the right opportunity.
Due to some unfortunate circumstances, it finally happened. The Browns lost one of Hunt’s best friends, Nick Chubb, to a season-ending injury in Week 2 and lost the Pro Bowl.

It wasn’t long before Hunt’s phone rang and he entered his fifth season with the Browns.
“It’s stupid even to think about it,” Hunt said on Wednesday.
“As I said in mid-September, if you asked me, I would not have said that I did not return or I didn’t know or thought about it,” Hunt said on Wednesday, October 25.
“But it happened.
I think it happened for a reason. God has a plan for us and this team.”

The Browns got Hunt back, but he had double-digit carries the last two weeks.
He has three scores from that stretch, including a fourth-down touchdown from the goal line last week against the Indianapolis Colts.

Jerome Ford is likely to play a bigger role in the coming weeks due to an ankle injury.
He is up for the challenge.

“I’m up for any challenge,” Hunt said.
“I’m that kind of person and that kind of player.”

Brown’s handling of QB uncertainty

The Browns will be without Deshaun Watson on Sunday, which will add to the pressure. PJ Walker will start at quarterback, giving Hunt and his backcourt partner stability against a stout Seattle Seahawks defense.
“We played together as a team and fought for each other,” Hunt said.
“The defense did a great job of scoring goals and we had to come in and keep scoring and play together.
That’s what he does.”

It’s unclear how long Watson will be gone. He performed well against the Colts last week, but left the field in the first quarter after being hit hard.
“He was progressing in the right direction and was able to practice last week,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday, Oct. 26.
“I felt the hit, but I didn’t like it – it was my shoulder.” When I found out I had a tumor, I never thought I would be in the best position to train this week.

The Browns are expected to sign a pair of RBs before the Seahawks matchup.

Hunt gets help from Pierre Strong Jr. In the backyard.
He had a strong scoring performance last week with eight catches for 25 yards.
Brown’s depth will be tested with Ford and Nick Chubb, so the team added Nate McCurry and Jordan Wilkins to the practice squad.
At least one of the new signings will likely be promoted to the active roster on game day.
Hunt is currently dealing with a hip injury.
He did not train on Wednesday, but he is feeling better.
“Definitely take it a day at a time and you’re ready for that race,” Hunt said.

The Seahawks are 3.5 home favorites over the Browns.