Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb has been ruled out for Sunday's game at the New England Patriots. That puts the Browns in a precarious spot against another hungry team.

 

Chubb tested positive on Tuesday for COVID-19, despite reports that he has been vaccinated. Fellow Browns' running backs Demetric Felton and John Kelly also were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week.

Chubb is in the midst of an outstanding season for the Browns. He is 3rd in the NFL in rushing with 721 yards, and is averaging a career-best 6.0 yards per carry.

With Kareem Hunt still on IR dealing with a strained calf, Cleveland will be shorthanded at the running back position. That has been the team's biggest strength all season. They lead the NFL in rushing yards per game entering Sunday, at over 160 yards per game.

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D'Ernest Johnson will fill in as the team's starter. Johnson garnered one start earlier this season when both Chubb and Hunt were out and was more than adequate in their place. He ran for 146 yards on 22 carries in a 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos.

As ESPN staff writer noted, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield believes in Johnson.

“We're extremely confident in D'Ernest… He is a very opportunistic guy, with a positive mindset – when he gets his chances, he's going to take advantage of them.”

The game this Sunday is crucial. The Browns are 5-4, tied with New England, their opponent Sunday, for the final wild card spot in the AFC. There is a very good chance this game will determine who makes the postseason and who does not. Certainly not the best time to lose Nick Chubb, your best player.