No longer handiest did the Cleveland Browns undergo their first defeat of the season Monday evening, however additionally they misplaced the center and soul in their offense. All over the second one quarter of a 26-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nick Chubb used to be carted off the grassland later struggling a unfortunate shock on a clash from Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

Browns head mentor Kevin Stefanski showed that Chubb suffered an important knee shock and is done for the season. Chubb’s accidents integrated more than one torn ligaments, according to NFL Media. With Chubb out, Stefanski stated on Tuesday that additional Jerome Ford, who in a bind for 106 yards on 16 carries towards the Steelers, is now the group’s “featured back,” even because it seems to be so as to add intensity at the back of him. 

ESPN’s broadcast group first of all elected to not display the replay, however one may just pay attention the gasps from the nation at Acrisure Stadium when it used to be proven at the jumbotron. The nation next confirmed their aid for Chubb by way of cheering for him and acknowledging him as he used to be carted off to the storage room.

A four-time Professional Bowler, Chubb had 64 yards on 10 carries previous to getting injured. He had 106 yards at the farmland within the Browns’ While 1 win over the Bengals. 

The lack of Chubb is vital for the Browns, who lost in Monday evening with reliable playoff hopes. Now, the Browns must reserve the ones hopes alive with out one of the vital NFL’s best possible operating backs and total avid gamers. 

As for who they must perhaps usher in to backup cushion the gamble away of most probably shedding Chubb, listed here are some choices.

Kareem Hunt

This will likely be a number of the widespread fits, and for just right reason why. Hunt remains to be to be had at the separate agent marketplace and, for the reason that he’s performed for the Browns for the former 4 seasons, he has large wisdom of the playbook and can be a plug-and-play addition to the backfield. In 17 video games performed closing season, the 28-year-old in a bind for 468 yards and 3 touchdowns moment catching 35 passes for 210 yards and some other ranking. If Cleveland desires to roll with Ford as its number one again, Hunt could be a pleasing secondary choice that and will tackle a larger workload if wanted.

Leonard Fournette

Fournette is in a matching status to Hunt. The veteran went unsigned this offseason and is these days on the lookout for the precise alternative to stand, which may be able to be with the Browns post-Chubb. The 28-year-old can paintings each in between the tackles and as a go catcher, which might supplement Ford neatly. With the Buccaneers closing season, Fournette totaled 1,191 yards from scrimmage and 6 touchdowns. That integrated 73 receptions for 523 yards. 

Cam Akers

Cam Akers’ dating with the Rams has apparently deteriorated, with the again being a wholesome lazy closing day. Now, stories are that L.A. is hanging him at the buying and selling prohibit as they roll ahead with Kyren Williams as their number one ballcarrier. With a necessity for some backup within the backfield, the Browns naturally manufacture sense post-Chubb. The previous 2d spherical pick out in a bind for 786 yards (4.2 yards in line with lift) in 2022 with seven touchdowns. Within the While 1 opener towards Seattle, he in a bind for simply 29 yards on 22 makes an attempt, so he may well be best possible checked out as a complementary piece to Ford as he ascends to exchange Chubb.

Jonathan Taylor

If they would like a straight-up Chubb alternative, you’ll be able to’t get a lot better than Jonathan Taylor. The Colts again is these days on injured retain, however can nonetheless be traded. In fact, his condition could be the very first thing Cleveland would have to make sure ahead of swinging this sort of trade in, however, when wholesome, Taylor is without doubt one of the league’s best possible operating backs. as much as the season, the Colts did handover Taylor’s camp permission to hunt a industry, however not anything got here to fruition. As he will get nearer to being eligible to go back off IR, it’s going to be attention-grabbing to look if the ones industry talks warmth up. Getting a participant of Taylor’s caliber within the wrinkle would primary Cleveland’s operating sport as one of the crucial feared within the league and would almost definitely be a welcome construction for the veteran as neatly.