The Cleveland Browns will be without their No. 1 running back when they take on the undefeated Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. Cleveland on Friday ruled Nick Chubb out for the game, after the running back did not practice at all this week.
Chubb suffered a calf injury during his 161-yard day against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5, and was unable to get any work ahead of the Week 6 game. In his absence, Kareem Hunt will presumably see the bulk of the snaps, as was the case when Chubb missed time last season. Backup running backs D’Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton could see more work as well.
Cleveland is coming off its best offensive performance of the season, but faces an Arizona defense that has performed quite well thus far this year. The Browns could get a boost with the return of wide receiver Jarvis Landry, who was removed from IR on Friday after missing three games with a knee injury and could play Sunday. On the negative side, the Browns have seen three of their five starting offensive linemen (Jack Conklin, JC Tretter, and Jedrick Wills) miss at least one practice this week. With Chandler Jones (COVID-19 list) sidelined things would presumably have gotten easier for the Browns, but with Chubb and potentially multiple linemen also out that may neutralize any advantage they might have gained.
On the year, Chubb is averaging career highs in yards per carry and per game. He ranks second behind only Derrick Henry in total rush yards, and sits more than 70 yards ahead of third-place Ezekiel Elliott. Hunt has been no slouch himself, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and a career-best 6.2 yards per touch, as he has contributed a lot in the passing game.
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