CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.
After beating the Cincinnati Bengals 41-16 on Sunday, the Cleveland Browns weren't able to enjoy their most impressive win of the 2021 season for long. On Tuesday, the Browns placed running backs Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton on the COVID-19 reserve list after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, both Chubb and Felton are vaccinated, meaning that they may still be able to play vs. the New England Patriots on Sunday. Per the NFL's COVID-19 protocols, vaccinated players are able to return to action after testing negative for COVID-19 twice.
News of Chubb and Felton testing positive comes one day after the Browns placed reserve running back John Kelley on the COVID-19 list. As a result, D'Ernest Johnson -- who rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown in Cleveland's Week 7 win over the Denver Broncos -- is currently Cleveland's only available running back.
Should Chubb be unable to play against the Patriots on Sunday, it would be a significant blow to the Browns offense, which will also likely be without running back Kareem Hunt, who is continuing to recover from a calf injury. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Chubb has rushed for 721 yards and six touchdowns this season, including 137 yards and two scores in Cleveland's Week 9 win over the Bengals on Sunday.
With both teams laying claim to 5-4 records, this Sunday's matchup between the Browns and Patriots could prove pivotal in the AFC Wild Card race.