CLEVELAND — When the Cleveland Browns take the field for their Week 15 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, they'll likely do so without one of their top offensive weapons. According to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, running back Kareem Hunt is unlikely to play after suffering an ankle injury in Cleveland's 24-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Hunt exited the Browns' victory vs. the Ravens after carrying the ball twice for five yards and catching two passes for 13 yards in the first quarter. It marked the 2017 Pro Bowl selection's second game back after missing five games with an ankle injury that he suffered in Cleveland's Week 6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Without Hunt in the lineup, the Browns have utilized D'Ernest Johnson behind star running back Nick Chubb. Thought to be Cleveland's strength entering the 2021 season, the Browns' rushing attack has struggled to maintain consistency with both Chubb and Hunt missing time due to injuries and illness.
In nine games this season, Hunt has rushed for 386 yards and five touchdowns on 78 attempts, adding 174 yards on 22 receptions.
Sitting at 7-6 on the season, Cleveland's Week 15 matchup with the 6-7 Raiders could prove crucial in the AFC Wild Card race, as the winner on the contest will hold a head-to-head tiebreaker over the loser. After Sunday's win vs. the Ravens, the Browns moved to fourth in the AFC Wild Card picture, which includes eight teams with records between 7-6 and 6-7.