CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.
While he may not be available for the Cleveland Browns' next game, running back Nick Chubb is being honored for their last one. On Wednesday, Chubb was named the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week for his performance in the Browns' 41-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Despite carrying the ball just 14 times, Chubb rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland's Week 9 win. The highlight of the two-time Pro Bowl running back's performance came when he scored on a 70-yard run in the third quarter to extend the Browns' lead to 31-10 over their AFC North foes.
With the win, Cleveland moved to 5-4 on the season and remains in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race. The Browns, however, will likely be without their star running back for Sunday's matchup with the New England Patriots after Chubb tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.
While the Georgia product is currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list, it's worth noting that he is reportedly vaccinated. That means that he could be eligible to play vs. the Patriots should he return two negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart before Sunday.
Should Chubb be unable to play vs. New England, D'Ernest Johnson would start at running back for the Browns. In his lone start of the season, Johnson rushed for 146 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries in a Week 7 win over the Denver Broncos -- earning FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors in the process.