Browns have RB shortage after Chubb, Felton positives

AKRON, Ohio – The Browns are suddenly extremely thin at running back and without one of their best players.

Running backs Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday, a person familiar with the situation confirmed. Two- time Pro Bowl selection Chubb and rookie sixth- round pick Felton were placed on the reserve/ COVID- 19 list.

Chubb and Felton are vaccinated against the virus as are fourth- string running back John Kelly and practice squad wide receiver Lawrence Cager, the person said.

The Browns announced Kelly and Cager were placed on COVID- 19 lists Monday. They also tested positive.

Because the four aforementioned players are vaccinated, they would each need to be free of symptoms and produce two negative COVID- 19 tests separated by 24 hours to be activated.

The development puts their ability to play Sunday when the Browns ( 5- 4) visit the Patriots ( 5- 4) into jeopardy.

The Browns made media availability with coach Kevin Stefanski and players virtual on Wednesday. The Browns are in enhanced COVID- 19 protocols, which means virtual meetings, masks in team headquarters and increased testing.

Right guard Wyatt Teller acknowledged the adversity the positive COVID19 cases present the Browns while discussing the four- year, $ 56.8 million contract extension he signed Tuesday.

“It’s like for every good news, there’s something bad that happens. What is this, the world?” Teller said. “But no, it sucks. I hope the best for them. I think they were vaxxed. I can’t speak for anybody else, but I really hope they’re back quickly, no symptoms. Let’s just hope that it was very minor. I wouldn’t wish that on my enemy. It does suck, but that’s something for them to handle and them to work on.”

Chubb is one of the best running backs in the NFL. In seven games this season ( he missed two with a calf injury), Chubb has compiled 120 carries for 721 yards ( 6- yard average) and six touchdowns to go along with eight catches for 69 yards. In Sunday’s 41- 16 win over the Bengals, Chubb had 14 carries for 137 yards ( 9.8- yard average) and two touchdowns ( 1 and 70 yards).

Felton serves as a running back, receiver and return man. He has three carries for 16 yards ( 5.3- yard average), 13 catches on 14 targets for 147 yards and a touchdown, 26 punt returns for 218 yards ( 8.4- yard average) and four kickoff returns for 65 yards ( 16.3- yard average) this season.

The only running back on the Browns active roster who hasn’t tested positive for COVID- 19 this week is D’Ernest Johnson. Former Pro Bowl running back Kareem Hunt remains on injured reserve ( calf ) and is expected to miss a few more weeks.