Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters Wednesday that he expects RB Kareem Hunt (ankle) to miss Week 16 even if he clears COVID-19 protocols.

Related Player: D'Ernest Johnson

It has been an up-and-down season for the former rushing champ. The Browns are fighting for their playoff lives and need him healthy asap.

In his Monday press conference, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that running back Kareem Hunt (ankle) and cornerback Troy Hill (knee) are both unlikely to play in Week 15.

Related players: Nick Chubb, D'Ernest Johnson

It was said Hunt could have returned to the game so this is maybe a bit of a surprise he's listed as unlikely to go. However, Hunt has one less day with a Saturday game against the Raiders on tap this week. Chubb should get a bulk of the workload with Johnson mixing in as a change of pace and passing-down back.

Browns’ RB Kareem Hunt will undergo a precautionary MRI on his ankle Monday.

Related players: Nick Chubb, D'Ernest Johnson

The rest of the tweet said the team felt he could have returned to the game if needed, so that sounds like good news for Week 15. Johnson saw his work on passing downs and as a change of pace behind Chubb, and that would likely continue if Hunt misses time. Schefter went on to report Hunt, “wanted to try and fight through it," but the Browns did not think they should put him back out there, according to HC Kevin Stefanski.

Browns RB Kareem Hunt (calf) will be activated from IR for Week 12's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Related Player: D'Ernest Johnson

Good news for the Browns, who could be short on receivers. Hunt should get a normal workload, but pessimism is okay for one week.

The Cleveland Browns have designated RB Kareem Hunt (calf) to return from IR. He has 21 days to return to the active roster. Browns HC Kevin Stefanski is optimistic that Hunt could play Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Related Player: D'Ernest Johnson

This is big news for a struggling Browns offense. Every day of practice matters for Hunt this week. Also note that after a month-plus layoff, his role Sunday, if he plays, could be limited.

Browns running back Kareem Hunt will be back at practice this week and he’s got his eyes on playing against the Ravens on Sunday night in Week 12.

Related players: Nick Chubb, D'Ernest Johnson

Hunt's injury was thought to possibly be season-ending at the time it happened, but now Hunt is expected to practice and hopes to play on Sunday night this week. Hunt said he feels ready, but the practice sessions leading into the weekend will determine that once and for all. While Hunt would eat into Chubb's workload a bit, he would move Johnson back to this RB3 role.

Stefanski said Kareem Hunt and Jack Conklin will be back "at practice this week at some point."

Related players: Nick Chubb, D'Ernest Johnson

The return of Hunt will cut into the workload of Chubb who had 22 rushes for 130 yards as well as a receiving TD this past week. The return of Hunt would also push Johnson back to the team's RB3. Johnson had just five carries in Week 11 but did produce 26 yards. Hunt's status this week will certainly be one to watch. Keep in mind the Browns play on Sunday night in Week 12 at Baltimore.

Browns RB Nick Chubb is out of COVID-19 protocols and will play Week 11 against the Detroit Lions.

Related Player: D'Ernest Johnson

Good to see Chubb back, but it is unknown how much his role will change for this week as he reacclimates following COVID. Johnson becomes a flex option with Chubb's return.

Browns RBs Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton because of COVID-19 protocols. Neither has practiced this week.

Related Player: D'Ernest Johnson

D'Ernest Johnson enters the RB1 conversation with the way the Browns like to run the ball and is comfortably in the RB2 picture.

Browns’ RBs Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton tested positive for COVID-19, sources tell ESPN.

Related players: Kareem Hunt, D'Ernest Johnson

Both players are vaccinated, thus their status for Sunday’s game against New England remains in question. Each player would need two negative tests 24 hours apart to play, Schefter went on to say. With Hunt on IR, Johnson would step in again if Chubb has to miss Week 10.