If [Deshaun] Watson is going to be less than 100 percent for an extended amount of time, then the running game becomes more important for the Browns. Without Nick Chubb, the Browns need to have a rotation of backs who can make plays. Reuniting with D’Ernest Johnson would give them a familiar face. … Travis Etienne has become the unquestioned feature back in the Jags offense. They should be willing to deal Johnson for a low price.

Johnson spent four years in Cleveland between 2019-22, often functioning as the backup or third-string running back. However, he earned two starts and appeared in all 17 games during a breakout 2021 campaign. Johnson finished that season with 534 rushing yards, 137 receiving yards and 3 total touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.

Jacksonville signed Johnson to a one-year, $1.2 million contract during the offseason. But the consistent excellence of Etienne and the emergence of third-round rookie Tank Bigsby have pushed Johnson back into a third-string role.

Johnson will likely find himself in a similar position if he returns to Cleveland, at least off the bat. But his knowledge of the offensive scheme and familiarity with the personnel after four years as a member of the franchise should allow him to contribute quickly and potentially fill a significant role in the run game if necessary.

If interested, Cleveland should be able to procure Johnson for a late Day-3 draft pick or pick swap.

The extent of Ford’s injury may dictate how seriously the Browns consider adding another running back given the play of Hunt and Strong throughout this season.

Hunt rejoined the roster following Chubb’s knee injury in Week 2. Over that time, Hunt has scored three rushing touchdowns, including two against the Colts Sunday. However, he has produced just 103 rushing yards on an average of only 3.2 yards per carry.

Strong carried the ball eight times for 25 yards in Indianapolis. He has produced an average of 4.9 yards per carry in Cleveland, though the offense has trusted Strong with only 21 attempts on the year.

READ MORE

The Cleveland Browns’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday was nothing compared to what was happening elsewhere in the Indiana stadium where they played.

Butler shared with WXIN that the baby’s arrival was a surprise as she wasn’t expected to be born until a few days later.

“She was due the 26th, but her mom went into labor as we were crossing the street. So, when they got here, they went to the first aid,” Butler said. “By the time they got her back there, the baby was crowning, and they delivered her here at the stadium at 1:20.”

 Patrick and Brittany Mahomes Take Their 2 Kids for Fall Fun at Pumpkin Patch – See the Pics!

Ashley Vlaskamp, an advanced EMT with Indianapolis University Health who assisted in the delivery at the stadium, told The Indianapolis Star that they are “very blessed everything went so smoothly.”

“This was really special. It’s something I’m going to cherish forever. It’s an incredible feeling,” Vlaskamp said.

She reflected on the experience, adding, “After everything was over, I kind of had a moment where I just stood there and said, ‘Wow, that just happened.’ The game went on and so did we.”

“She was due the 26th, but her mom went into labor as we were crossing the street. So, when they got here, they went to the first aid,” Butler said. “By the time they got her back there, the baby was crowning, and they delivered her here at the stadium at 1:20.”

Browns wide receiver David Bell, who hails from Indianapolis, told a reporter that his niece was born at Lucas Oil Stadium during the game.

According to local news outlet WLFI, among Bell’s many family members in attendance for the game was a pregnant woman. Bell’s mother, Kareem Butler, also referred to the new mother — whose name has not been released — as her niece.