2024 Player Outlook
In Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season, Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome injury that we would all rather not revisit. That allowed Jerome Ford a clearer path to touches - including in that Week 2 game where he had over 125 yards from scrimmage and score. Ford had interesting deployment for the remainder of the season as he remained the starting back and preffered option on pass downs but the Browns decided to sign Kareem Hunt and use him as the goal line back and to close out games. Hunt actually finished with 9 rushing TDs to 4 for Ford. The real question at the end of the day here is whether Nick Chubb will return to full strength and when that might happen. The Browns did sign D'Onta Foreman so we could see Ford in his role from last year with Foreman in the Hunt role for however many games Chubb is out. And, even when Chubb returns, they might not want to give him the full workload right away after such a serious injury. That has Ford on our radar for Zero and Hero RB builds for sure.
Player News
Browns restructured RB Jerome Ford’s contract.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Ford was set to earn up to $3.4 million in 2025. Now, the fourth-year vet will get a guaranteed $1.75 million this season and likely has his roster spot secured for the year. The signing, as Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot pointed out, likely spells the end for Nick Chubb’s time with the Browns. In addition to Ford, the Browns also have rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson on the roster, who could have a chance to step in as the team’s top two backs this season. Chubb recently posted a workout video online, likely to generate interest after remaining unsigned through the NFL Draft, but any hopes of a return to Cleveland can likely be put aside at this time. Chubb struggled last season after returning from a devastating knee injury that ended his 2023 campaign. The 29-year-old vet rushed 102 times for 332 yards and three scores while averaging a career-worst 3.3 YPC. Chubb may need to sign a one-year team friendly deal if he hopes to play anywhere in 2025.
Jerome Ford (ankle) won’t play in Week 18 against the Ravens.
Ford’s season ends with a rushing line of 104-565-3 and a receiving line of 37-225-0 on 43 targets. He averaged a career-best 5.4 YPC and would have been on to replicate his 2023 numbers before Nick Chubb returned in Week 7 and handled most of the team’s rush attempts until a foot injury he suffered in Week 15 ended his season. Ford is under contract through next season and could have a chance at another premiere role depending on how Chubb’s recovery goes and who else the Browns decide to bring in during the offseason.
Jerome Ford (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.
Backup Pierre Strong remains sidelined with a concussion. That leaves just D’Onta Foreman to man the backfield if neither is able to practice on Friday. Foreman would be a volume-based RB3 if neither back plays in Week 18 versus the Ravens.
Jerome Ford (ankle) did not practice on Tuesday.
Kevin Stefanski had no update on Ford at his presser earlier today. The DNP should have fantasy managers scrambling for backup plans at the very least. D’Onta Foreman stands to be Cleveland’s No. 1 back if Ford cannot shake the ankle injury ahead of Week 18.
DFS Last 5
Week | Date | Opponent | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Jan 4th | @Ravens | |
| 17 | Dec 29th | Dolphins | 2.2 |
| 16 | Dec 22nd | @Bengals | 24.1 |
| 15 | Dec 15th | Chiefs | 18.4 |
| 14 | Dec 8th | @Steelers | 7.7 |
| 13 | Dec 3rd | @Broncos | 7.2 |
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