BEREA, Ohio – Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb will not play Sunday in New England after testing positive for COVID-19 this week, coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday.
The Browns will also be without running back Demetric Felton, who tested positive for COVID-19, as well. With Kareem Hunt still on injured reserve with a calf injury, D’Ernest Johnson will get the start at running back for the Browns.
In his lone career start Oct. 21, when Chubb and Hunt were both out with calf injuries, Johnson rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, as the Browns defeated the Denver Broncos, 17-14.
“We’re extremely confident in D’Ernest,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said this week. A very opportunistic guy, with a positive mindset – when he gets his chances, he’s going to take advantage of them.”
The Browns announced placed both Chubb and Felton on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday. Cleveland had another running back, John Kelly, go on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday.
Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the Browns’ 41-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. He leads the team with 721 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns this season.
