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After managing to fend off a late surge from the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, the Cleveland Browns will look to improve to 8-6 on the year in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders. They may be without a key offensive cog for Saturday's game, however, as Kareem Hunt is expected to be sidelined due to an ankle injury, per Jake Trotter.
Kevin Stefanski says RB Kareem Hunt is “unlikely” to play Saturday vs. Raiders with the ankle injury #Browns
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 13, 2021
Head coach Kevin Stefanski wouldn't commit to Hunt's availability in Week 16, either, referring to the running back as being “week-to-week.” That paints a pretty different picture from Stefanski's initial comment on Hunt's status, having had suggested the running back could have returned to Sunday's game if he was needed. Hunt saw a limited role in Week 14, logging just two carries for five yards, but could now be looking at an extended time on the sideline, based on Stefanski's latest update.
Hunt has battled the injury bug in 2021, limiting him to just eight games on the year. He's rushed the ball 78 times for 386 yards and five touchdowns, working in tandem with Nick Chubb.
If Hunt is unable to suit up again on Saturday, D'Ernest Johnson will likely pick up the excess workload. Johnson rushed four times for 22 yards on Sunday, and has 65 carries for 342 yards and two touchdowns this year.
The Browns are right in the midst of the playoff hunt in the AFC, as are the Raiders, so both teams will be playing with some added motivation on Saturday. The absence of Hunt will certainly hurt the Browns, but they should have enough talent in the backfield to withstand his loss against a Raiders' run defense that ranks 26th in the league.
