The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Hunt set for action vs. Colts
The NFL is going to get a sneak preview of how good the Browns’ run offense could be in the final eight games of 2019 when they play the Colts in their second preseason game of the summer.
Kareem Hunt, who did not play in the preseason opener Aug. 8 against the Redskins, is expected to play against the Colts in the game that kicks off at 4 p.m. Aug. 17 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Hunt was hampered by a groin injury at the start of training camp and did not start practicing in individual drills until the Orange and Brown Scrimmage on Aug. 3 at First Energy Stadium.
He did not participate in team drills until Aug. 14 when the Browns practiced with the Colts at the Colts’ training camp home of Westfield, Ind.
“Kareem really came back yesterday for the first time with meaningful reps,” Coach Freddie Kitchens told reporters Aug. 15 after practice with the Colts. “You see the ability, and I think everybody sees it.”
Kitchens said he has not decided how much the starters will play against the Colts.
Some key players have already been ruled out because of injury. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has a hip injury, though it is not serious, according to Kitchens. Cornerback T.J. Carrie, tight end David Njoku, linebacker Sione Takitaki, defensive end Chad Thomas (neck) and defensive tackle Devaroe Lawrence are also battling injuries that could prevent them playing against the Colts.
Hunt could follow starting running back Nick Chubb because Dontrell Hilliard, currently the No. 2 running back, is nursing a hamstring injury that prevented him from practicing Aug. 15.
Hunt can practice the remainder of the month and play in the final three preseason games, but his NFLordered eight-game suspension for shoving and kicking a woman in a downtown Cleveland hotel in February 2018 when he was with the Chiefs begins after rosters are cut to 53 on Aug. 31.
It would make sense for Kitchens to feature Hunt while he can in the preseason to know what to expect from the former Willoughby South star when Hunt returns from his suspension.
“It’s great to have Kareem out there, the special talent that he is, and to get out there with us because he’s going to have a long wait until he plays,” quarterback Baker Mayfield told reporters.
Hunt led the NFL in rushing with 1,327 yards as a rookie in 2017. He rushed for 824 yards in 11 games in 2018, but his season abruptly ended when the Chiefs released him with five games left in the season the day the video of Hunt assaulting the woman was made public by TMZ.
“It is pretty frustrating (knowing the start of the suspension is near), but I take it day by day and do what I can control,” Hunt told reporters after practice Aug. 15. “I feel good (practicing again). It’s a lot of natural ability, and I’m still getting a feel. I wouldn’t say I’m at my peak, but I am working my way back.”
Kitchens praised Hunt for picking up blitzers in pass protection, which shows while injured he was paying attention in meetings and walkthrough practices.