Attention related to the Browns’ backfield will continue to be directed toward Nick Chubb while his rehab from multiple knee surgeries continues. It is unclear when he will be back on the field, and as training camp approaches Cleveland will have a number of contenders for depth running back spots. 
Jerome Ford – who took on starting duties after Chubb’s injury – is in line to reprise his RB1 workload until Chubb is back in the fold. The Browns also have Nyheim Hines in place as a pass-catching and returner option. After missing all of 2023 due to an ACL tear, Hines is hopeful to be on the field in time for the start of training camp. Cleveland has other backs on the roster, and their fates will be determined over the course of the summer.
Specifically, D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong could find themselves competing for one roster spot. Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal writes that Chubb’s health will be a key factor in determining how many running backs the Browns keep in the fold to begin the campaign. If the latter misses time in the fall, Foreman and Strong could survive roster cuts. If he is healthy by Week 1, however, keeping both in the fold (in addition to Ford and Hines) may not be feasible.
Strong was acquired via trade from the Patriots last summer, and he played sparingly on offense in Cleveland. The 2022 fourth-rounder logged a notable workload on special teams, though, and his third phase abilities could help him secure a spot. Foreman, on the other hand, has a longer track record of production in the backfield. The 28-year-old has played 52 games with four different teams, and his most productive campaign came in 2022 with the Panthers (914 rushing yards, five touchdowns).
Foreman signed a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum in March, and he is set to carry a cap hit of $1.15MM this season. That is slightly higher than Strong’s cap charge, and the latter is on the books through 2025. Releasing Foreman would create $818K in cap savings, although his track record could make him an attractive option to outside teams looking to add him via the waiver wire. Plenty is still to be determined separate from Chubb’s health, and Foreman and Strong’s showings this summer will be worth monitoring.
I know the line had health problems, but Ford didn’t impress me as much as I would have hoped. Foreman will never be anyone’s first choice, but he can certainly contribute as somebody’s bruiser. I thought Jacksonville could have used him. I don’t know if Strong will ever be a top two running back for anyone, but with his speed, he feels like he belongs as a Dolphin, even if they don’t have room for another back.
Of course, as a football fan, I mostly just hope Chubb can come back to full strength and speed.
I’m actually confused as to why Hines is considered more of a lock compared to Foreman and Strong, who have both flashed at times in recent years and display opposing running styles, as you mentioned.
I suppose Hines offers more as a returner and third down option, but between his age and recent injury history, it remains to be seen if he can still perform up to his previous levels. Besides, Strong and Ford have proven capable of contributing on special teams and as a receiver, respectively.
That aside, I agree it would be great to have Chubb back in action
Yeah, it must really be about returning with Hines, and I wouldn’t be counting any chickens with him.
The Browns need to drop both Foreman and Strong so Trent Richardson can attempt a Joe Flacco type comeback 🙂
I liked Strong as a prospect – I think he can get meaningful carries with the Giants.
Foreman would be the top back on the cowboys. Too good to make it happen though damn you Jurrah