Ford is expected to serve as the Browns' lead running back for the final three games of the season after Nick Chubb was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Patrick Warren of the team's official site reports. Ford stepped in for Chubb during last week's loss to the Chiefs and contributed his best effort of the season with 84 yards on seven carries, including a 62-yard touchdown scamper. Cleveland not only will have a new lead back Sunday against the Bengals, but the offense will also feature a new starting quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Given the relative inexperience of Thompson-Robinson, the offensive game plan may initially lean on Ford and the ground game. Ford should also see some use on passing downs, though Pierre Strong is capable of spelling him in those situations.
Unlock the latest Cleveland Browns news — direct to your inbox.
Status
ACTIVELatest Jerome Ford news
Career History
Ford is expected to serve as the Browns' lead running back for the final three games of the season after Nick Chubb was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Patrick Warren of the team's official site reports. Ford stepped in for Chubb during last week's loss to the Chiefs and contributed his best effort of the season with 84 yards on seven carries, including a 62-yard touchdown scamper. Cleveland not only will have a new lead back Sunday against the Bengals, but the offense will also feature a new starting quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Given the relative inexperience of Thompson-Robinson, the offensive game plan may initially lean on Ford and the ground game. Ford should also see some use on passing downs, though Pierre Strong is capable of spelling him in those situations.
Ford rushed seven times for 84 yards and a touchdown and brought in both targets for 20 yards in the Browns' 21-7 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. He also returned four kickoffs for 117 yards. Ford opened the game in his usual complementary role behind Nick Chubb, but the latter eventually exited the game due to what was subsequently determined to be a broken foot. Ford broke off a 62-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to account for the majority of his yardage, but he should be poised to handle a lead-back role moving forward for what remains of the season with Chubb sidelined.
Ford rushed the ball 10 times for 28 yards and caught three of four targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 27-14 loss to Pittsburgh. Ford's 13 touches were his most since coming back a hamstring injury in Week 9. He was on the field for 40 snaps, more than starter Nick Chubb (26) for the second consecutive game, but that has more to do with Cleveland playing from behind. The Browns have attempted more than 40 passes six times in the seven games since Jameis Winston has taken over at quarterback. That's a situation that benefits Ford, who leads the backfield with 36 targets.
Ford rushed nine times for 41 yards while catching his lone target for 21 yards in Monday's 41-32 loss to Denver. Ford finished as the Browns' leading rusher while tying starter Nick Chubb in carries (nine). The latter benefited from a receiving touchdown late in Monday's defeat, but Ford got extra run in the second half with the Browns playing from behind in the high-scoring affair. Ford has been getting enough work to warrant consideration in deeper formats ahead of Sunday's rematch against the Steelers (20-59-2 vs. PIT in Week 12).
Ford carried four times for 19 yards and caught his lone target for eight yards in Thursday's 24-19 win over the Steelers in Week 12. He also returned three kickoffs for 72 yards. Ford watched Nick Chubb handle the bulk of the duty on a snowy and windy night in Cleveland. With Chubb getting stronger each week since coming back from a knee injury, there hasn't been much opportunity for Ford to shine. He has 11 carries for 34 yards and six catches for 39 yards over the last three games since returning from a hamstring injury.
Ford rushed five times for 10 yards and caught all four targets for 29 yards in Sunday's 35-14 loss to the Saints in Week 11. He also returned two kickoffs for 37 yards. Ford was given more opportunities in his second game back from a hamstring injury that cost him two games. He went from three touches to nine, two shy of starter Nick Chubb, and was involved in a productive Cleveland offense that gained a season-high 443 yards. Obviously, the season's gone sideways for a team that held playoff aspirations. The 2-8 Browns face an uncertain future and roster questions abound, including at running back. Chubb is on a one-year deal and coming back from a serious knee injury, while Ford is signed through the end of 2025.
Ford gained five yards on two carries and caught one of three targets for two yards in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Chargers. The Chargers' defense came as advertised and shut down all aspects of Cleveland's offense. Ford, who was returning from a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury, couldn't find any more room to run than starter Nick Chubb (15 carries, 39 yards). With the Browns down by three scores at halftime, Ford wound up as the backfield leader in playing time (36 snaps). The loss was another in a disappointing season for Cleveland, and the team figure to be sellers at the NFL trade deadline Tuesday, having already shipped out Amari Cooper (wrist). That could mean Chubb is on the block, as he's coming back from a serious knee injury and is in the final year of his contract. If the team moves on from Chubb, then Ford would be in line to start for the rest of the season.
Ford (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Ford upgraded to full practice participation Friday after a pair of limited sessions, paving the way for him to return from a two-game absence. He was the top option in Cleveland's backfield while Nick Chubb worked his way back from a knee injury to begin the season, but Ford will likely work in a change-of-pace role behind a healthy Chubb moving forward.
Ford (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports. Ford has missed two straight games, but back-to-back limited practices (including this past Friday) suggest that he has a chance to suit up this weekend against the Chargers. That said, with Nick Chubb having reclaimed the top job in Cleveland's backfield, Ford's fantasy upside has taken a notable hit ahead of Week 9 action.