The Cleveland Browns have been off to an encouraging start to the 2018 season that has seen their running game led by running back Carlos Hyde play a significant part of their push forward.

However, the Browns have decided to head in another direction with the decision to trade him to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday afternoon, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network adds that the Browns will receive a fifth-round pick from the Jaguars in return.

This is a bit of a shocking move given that Hyde is in his first year with the Browns after inking a ___ deal with the team in the offseason. He had securely taken over the starting running providing consistent production with 382 rushing yards and five touchdowns, which is the fourth-highest total in the league. Hyde has yet to notch a 100 rushing yard outing this season, but he has been a steady option in the backfield for the Browns in tough yardage plays, in particular, goal-line situations.

The addition of Hyde to the backfield for the Jaguars gives them another proven running back that could contribute in a major way alongside T.J. Yeldon and Jamaal Charles. It also speaks to the severity of Leonard Fournette's injury and how much longer he may be out of the mix this season.

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His departure now leaves a huge hole that Duke Johnson will likely get the first crack to fill as he has proven to be a valuable asset in the passing game as one of the league's top receiving running backs as he has 14 catches for 164 receiving yards. This should see an uptick in usage over the rest of the season with an increased role.

Meanwhile, rookie Nick Chubb should be in line for most of the work in the running game as he has shown flashes in his brief showing this season as he has 175 rushing yards on 16 carries with a pair of touchdowns. Much of this production came from his standout outing against the Oakland Raiders tallying 105 rushing yards on three carries and two touchdowns. This could be a chance for him to showcase his big-play ability.