The Cleveland Browns could possibly see a vital piece of their offensive attack return for their upcoming Monday Night Football encounter with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17.

The Browns have officially listed running back Kareem Hunt as questionable for their showdown against the Steelers.

Hunt has not featured in a game since the Browns' Week 14 home win over the Baltimore Ravens. He suffered an ankle injury in the late stages of the first quarter following a 5-yard reception. He slowly walked off the field after the play and although the team initially listed him as questionable to return, he was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

The veteran running back went on to miss Cleveland’s Monday home clash with the Las Vegas Raiders due to the injury, but he was already expected to not play in the contest after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list several days prior. Due to both of these factors, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski subsequently held him out of the road loss to the Green Bay Packers on Christmas.

There has been some optimism towards Hunt’s availability against the Steelers. He was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday. More so, he made his long-awaited return to practice on Friday, although he was a limited participant throughout the session. And after once again being limited in practice on Saturday, the Browns have opted to place an injury designation of questionable on him for Week 17.

Hunt sure could use a break at this point in the campaign. For one, he missed five games earlier in the season due to a calf injury suffered in the Browns' Week 6 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Stefanski noted earlier in the week that Hunt’s possible return to action would be a “big boost” to the team.

If Hunt is not able to go for Week 17, third-string running back D’Ernest Johnson is expected to once again form a one-two rush attack punch with Nick Chubb. He has notched 81 yards from scrimmage in Cleveland’s two games.

The Browns will look to stay in the mix for a playoff spot in the AFC with a possible win over the Steelers.