Four days ago, the Cleveland Browns expected to be without running back Jerome Ford for at least a week. But on Friday, the second-year runner returned to practice and actually participated in position drills.
This “surprised” the team, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and now the Browns officially listed Ford as questionable for their Week 8 match with the Seattle Seahawks.
#Browns RB Jerome Ford (ankle) back at practice and leading RB drills. pic.twitter.com/ucRZX1CUL0
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) October 27, 2023
Ford, who reportedly sustained a high ankle sprain in the Browns’ Week 8 win over the Indianapolis Colts, later said he was optimistic about his injury and hoped to be at the game no matter what, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
He rushed 11 times for 74 yards and a touchdown in the 39-38 win. Ford has rushed 78 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns this season.
If Ford can play, he’ll go up against the third-toughest run defense in the NFL. The Seahawks have allowed just 3.6 yards per rush this season and just 87.2 total rushing yards per game.
Otherwise, some combination of Kareem Hunt (who himself is dealing with a thigh injury) and Pierre Strong Jr. could tote the load. John Kelly Jr. could see time in the backfield as well after the Browns signed him to the practice squad Friday.
