Crowell saw just 10 carries for 37 yards during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Ravens. He was also targeted once but failed to make a catch.

Analysis: The Browns were playing from behind for essentially the entire game, forcing DeShone Kizer and Kevin Hogan to throw a combined 42 passes, and leaving Crowell and the running game out of the picture. Crowell's longest run of the day was a 17-yard scamper to the right side, but he managed just 2.2 yards per carry the rest of the way. With coach Hue Jackson's verbal commitment to the running game during training camp and Cleveland's revamped offensive line, many expected Crowell to have a breakout…read more

Crowell rushed for 33 yards on 17 carries and added another 33 yards on two catches in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh.

Analysis: With Pittsburgh determined to force rookie DeShone Kizer to beat them, Crowell didn't have much room on the ground, failing to record a run of over six yards. While averaging less than two yards per carry is an unattractive way to start the season, there should be some solace in noting that the Browns stuck with the run and that Crowell looks poised to take the lion's share of touches this season. Crowell totaled 19 touches to Duke Johnson's two and Matt Dayes' five. A running back is always a…read more

Crowell (groin) rushed 11 times for 40 yards in Saturday's 13-9 preseason win over the Bucs.

Analysis: Crowell looked unencumbered by the groin injury that caused him to miss last Monday's preseason contest against the Giants, handling his heavy workload well. The Browns' projected lead back is likely to take a seat in next Thursday's exhibition finale against the Bears in anticipation for a tough Week 1 matchup against the Steelers on Sept. 10.

Crowell (groin) returned to practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Crowell did not play in Monday's preseason game against the Giants, but he's expected to do so Saturday against the Buccaneers, per the Browns' official site. On the heels of a 2016 season in which he carried 198 times for 952 yards and seven TDs, Crowell appears poised for an uptick in production, while serving as the top back in an offense that looks set to be helmed by rookie QB Deshone Kizer. Moreover, the Browns' offseason additions of offensive linemen Kevin Zeitler and J.C. Tretter…read more

Sitting out with groin injury

Crowell isn't expected to play in Monday's preseason game against the Giants due to a groin injury, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: The expected lead back in Cleveland, Crowell's sudden absence will force Duke Johnson into the starting lineup. Moving forward, Crowell's status will be one to watch to determine the severity and potential for a lengthy absence, despite being held out as a precaution, according to Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.

Gains 24 total yards Thursday

Crowell rushed six times for 15 yards and hauled in his line target for nine yards in Thursday's 20-14 preseason win over the Saints.

Analysis: With the major improvements made to the Browns' offensive line this offseason, Crowell could be in line for a breakout season. Coach Hue Jackson wants to run the ball more than the team did in 2016 -- Crowell's best statistical season -- and that will only benefit the 24-year-old's production.

Crowell should benefit from the upgrades the Browns made to their offensive line this offseason as well as the defense's expected ability to keep games closer, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.

Analysis: Crowell totaled 952 rushing yards despite getting just 198 carries last season. For reference, 19 players were handed the ball more times, yet only eight qualified tailbacks topped his 4.8 yards per rush. While Crowell enjoyed running behind the dominant left-sided duo of Joe Thomas and Joel Bitonio, the Browns fortified elsewhere up front by signing center JC Tretter and making Kevin Zeitler the highest-paid guard in the NFL this offseason. Those changes figure to let the team rely on the…read more

Crowell could receive a long-term deal from the Browns if he's able to produce this season, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: Crowell signed a restricted free-agent tender this offseason, which will make him an unrestricted free agent in March of 2018. However, if he's able to build on his 952 rushing yards from last season, the 24-year-old could find himself in Cleveland for years to come. Running backs coach Kirby Wilson seems confident that 2017 will be Crowell's best year yet, "He's not even in his prime yet. He has to continue to work hard. He saw what happened last year - when you work extremely hard, good…read more

Joins team for OTAs

Crowell, who was absent from previous voluntary workouts throughout the offseason, participated in the Browns' first organized team activity on Tuesday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: Crowell signed his restricted free-agent tender in May, but there were still questions as to whether he would wait until June's mandatory minicamp to report. The 24-year-old has a firm grasp on the starting job at running back in Cleveland, while joining the team for OTAs boosts his standing with the coaching staff.

Crowell ended his 2016 season with 19 carries for 152 yards and three catches for 16 yards during Sunday's matchup with the Steelers.

Analysis: Crowell waited until the last game of the season to have his best performance, as his 19 carries and 152 rushing yards were both season highs. He finished just 48 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard rushing season. Crowell is a restricted free agent in 2017, and if the Browns decide to take a running back with their No. 1 overall pick, he may find himself in a new uniform next fall. However, he'll be just 24 when the new campaign begins, and with productive young running backs generally at a…read more

Crowell rushed 16 times for 54 yards and two touchdowns while adding four catches for four yards on five targets in Saturday's 20-17 win over the Chargers.

Analysis: Crowell found pay dirt from eight yards out on Cleveland's first drive, then added a four-yard score in the second quarter. He hadn't scored since Week 8 coming in, but does have seven touchdowns heading into the season finale. A touchdown next week in Pittsburgh would allow the 23-year-old to tie his career high of eight set back in 2014.

Crowell carried the ball eight times for 28 yards during Sunday's 33-13 loss to the Bills.

Analysis: A week after rushing for over 100 yards, Crowell's touches were limited, as Cleveland found itself down early. He averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, and for just the second time this season, the 23-year-old finished without a reception. With 746 rushing yards, Crowell is still aiming for his first 1000-yard season, but that will just be a pipe dream if he can't get enough touches in the final two weeks. He'll look to get back on track against the Chargers on Saturday.

Crowell rushed 10 times for 113 yards and caught one pass (three targets) for five yards in Sunday's loss to the Bengals.

Analysis: For the first time since Week 4, Crowell rushed for over 100 yards, despite seeing just 10 carries. He now has three 100-yard rushing games on the year, and his 11.3 yards per carry on Sunday was a career high. After catching six passes a week ago, Crowell came back down to earth with just a lone reception, but that blame can be placed on Robert Griffin's shoulders, as he scuffled all throughout the day. Crowell hasn't found pay dirt in five straight games, but he'll look to change that in Week…read more

Crowell had 16 carries for 44 yards and caught six passes (seven targets) for 47 yards in Sunday's loss to the Giants. He also coughed up a fumble.

Analysis: Although Crowell saw double-digit carries for the first time since Week 8, he failed to hit the half-century mark for the fifth-straight contest. In terms of volume and rushing yards, the third-year back has been a major disappointment after starting the season off so strongly. However, Crowell has become heavily involved in the passing game with 11 catches (12 targets) for 60 yards in his last two games. However, with Duke Johnson still playing the majority of passing downs, we'd be surprised…read more

Crowell rushed eight times for 10 yards and caught all five of his targets for 13 yards during Sunday's loss the Steelers.

Analysis: Crowell had nowhere to run Sunday, as Cleveland's offensive line struggled to create any holes for the third-year back. Crowell hasn't rushed for 30 or more yards since Week 7 and hasn't found pay dirt since Week 8. His rushing volume has dropped considerably since the beginning of the season, and his stats do not merit those of a reliable fantasy running back. Crowell will try to bounce back and start producing against the Giants next Sunday.

Crowell rushed for 23 yards on nine attempts and caught three passes (five targets) for 30 yards during Thursday's loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Crowell's rushing woes continued Thursday with another forgettable performance. He has just 15 carries for 27 yards over his last two games, as the Browns have shied away from the run due to the big deficits they've been in. On a positive note, Crowell's been more involved in the passing game with seven receptions for 93 yards over the same time span, but that really can't be counted on each week. Crowell will try to turn it around in Week 11 against the Steelers.

Crowell rushed for four yards on six carries and hauled in four passes (four targets) for 63 yards in Sunday's game with the Cowboys.

Analysis: Crowell was once again bottled up in the run game but was surprisingly effective catching the ball, as his 63 receiving yards were a career high. On the other end, however, Crowell was given a season-low six carries and managed a measly four yards. It's important to note that the Browns were down big almost right away, forcing them to throw the ball, so that could explain Crowell's lack of carries. But nonetheless, he's averaged just 2.4 yards per attempt over his last five games, so there is…read more

Crowell rushed 11 times for 29 yards and a score in Sunday's matchup with the Jets. He also caught two passes (two targets) for 34 yards.

Analysis: For the third time in his last four games, Crowell was limited to under 30 yards rushing, as the Jets repeatedly stopped him for short gains Sunday. He did find the end zone, however, and his 34 receiving yards were a season high, meaning he had a solid fantasy day overall despite his ineffectiveness on the ground. Crowell will turn his attention to Dallas and will try to find some holes against a tough Cowboys defense in Week 9.

Crowell rushed 12 times for 63 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's loss to Cincinnati. He also gained 16 yards on three receptions (four targets).

Analysis: After being held to just 38 rushing yards and no scores over his last two tilts, Crowell busted out of his slump Sunday, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and finding pay dirt. He did, however, only rush 12 times -- a season low -- but that can be contributed to the Browns being down on the scoreboard for the majority of the game. The 23-year-old will face a tough test in Week 8 against a quality run defense in the Jets, but his workload could increase if Kevin Hogan makes his first NFL start.

Crowell rushed nine times for 16 yards, and caught both of his targets for 20 more Sunday in Tennessee.

Analysis: Crowell was bottled up by an effective Titans run defense, and also ceded much of his workload to pass-catching back Duke Johnson as the Browns staged an unsuccessful comeback attempt in a 28-26 loss. Despite an 0-6 record, Cleveland has been extremely competitive and thus able to give Crowell at least 12 carries in every game prior to this one. Expect his touches to bounce back up to their normal levels in what promises to be a physical affair with the in-state rival Bengals next week.

Crowell rushed for 22 yards on 13 carries and hauled in one reception for 18 yards in Sunday's matchup with New England.

Analysis: Crowell had his first poor performance of the season, as the Patriots stuffed him on almost every attempt. The third-year back entered the game averaging a league-leading 6.5 yards per carry, but managed just a measly 1.7 yards per carry Sunday. He also failed to score a touchdown for just the second time this season. Crowell will look to get things going again versus the Titans in Week 6.

Crowell rushed for 112 yards and scored a touchdown on 15 attempts during Sunday's loss to the Redskins. He also caught three passes (four targets) for 22 yards.

Analysis: Crowell now has two games of over 100 yards rushing through the first four weeks, as he continues to be Cleveland's featured back in front of Duke Johnson. Coming into Sunday's matchup, the 23-year-old was third in the league with 6.1 yards per rushing attempt, but that was boosted after he averaged a whopping 7.5 yards per carry versus Washington. Crowell will look to continue his dominance in Week 5 against a strong run defense in the Patriots.

Crowell (knee) practiced fully Thursday.

Analysis: Crowell's return to a full practice Thursday puts him on track to continue to work in tandem with Duke Johnson on Sunday against Washington. Crowell turned his 42 Week 3 snaps against Miami into 15 carries for 79 yards, while Johnson's 41 snaps resulted in 10 carries for 69 yards and five caches for 12 yards.

Crowell (knee) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: This is the first we've heard of any issue with Crowell's knee, which suggests it's not a serious injury. However, his practice availability for the rest of the week is something to keep an eye on, and if he's somehow unable to suit up against the Redskins on Sunday, Duke Johnson figures to be in line for a featured role.

Crowell rushed for 79 yard on 15 carries in Sunday's loss to Miami.

Analysis: That's three straight games with at a rushing average of at least five yards per carry for Crowell, a first in his career. In fact, Crowell was unable to put together three straight games of four yards per carry last year. The Browns have leaned heavily on Crowell and Duke Johnson early on this season and are likely to continue to as they break in their rookie quarterback. Crowell's next test will be a Washington defense that has allowed 123 yards rushing per game, among the worst in the league.

Crowell rushed 18 times for 133 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Ravens. He also gained 15 yards on his lone reception of the game.

Analysis: Crowell's performance mirrored his team's Sunday, as he rumbled for an 85-yard touchdown as part of a first-quarter explosion by the Browns, but he gained just 48 yards on his next 17 carries as the Ravens completed the comeback. Sunday's performance came on the heels of the news that Crowell would be used in a featured role, and he likely affirmed the coaching staff's decision. He now has 226 total yards and a pair of touchdowns to his name through two weeks and will match up against a…read more

In line for featured role

Head coach Hue Jackson suggested Crowell may be used as a workhorse running back, the Chronicle-Telegram reports. "We have not kind of turned our guy loose yet, but he has some special ability that way," Jackson explained. "We've just got to hand it to him enough times," he later added.

Analysis: While it's encouraging for his head coach to endorse Crowell as the type of player who could carry the Browns' rushing attack, Cleveland only managed to run 52 offensive plays Week 1 (compared to 77 for Philadelphia) and converted just two of 10 third downs. Furthermore, Crowell was also used as a feature back last year under ex-OC John DeFilippo, but the team never managed to establish the running game and Crowell ended the season with 706 yards and four touchdowns on an underwhelming 3.8 YPC.…read more

Crowell led Cleveland with 12 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's loss to the Eagles. He also added 16 receiving yards while nabbing both of his targets.

Analysis: Crowell ran hard, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, although his work was somewhat limited after his team went down big on the scoreboard. Robert Griffin reportedly injured his shoulder and will have an MRI, meaning Crowell could be in line for some extra work if the Browns are forced to lean more in the run game with a backup under center. Regardless, he appears to be in line to handle the bulk of the carries next week versus Baltimore.

Crowell rushed for just 11 yards on six carries but scored a touchdown during Thursday night's preseason game against the Bears. He also caught a pass for 15 yards.

Analysis: Crowell was anything but impressive Thursday night, but the fact that he caught a pass for a long gain is encouraging, as Duke Johnson is the Cleveland running back known for being the better receiver. The 23-year-old will look to build on his 706-yard season he put together in 2015, but Johnson may take away too many carries for that to happen.

Crowell gained 39 yards on eight carries in Friday's preseason loss to Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Crowell dominated early-down work on the first-team offense, with Duke Johnson mostly only playing on passing downs. While Johnson could eventually be a threat to mix in more often, the Browns' preseason gameplans suggest that Crowell will start the year handling the bulk of the rushing workload.

Crowell (shoulder) gained 28 yards on seven carries in Thursday's preseason game against the Falcons.

Analysis: Though not spectacular, Crowell did outplay teammate Duke Johnson, who gained six yards on three carries and 10 yards on two receptions (three targets), albeit with a fourth-down conversion mixed in. Based on the early preseason usage, the two running backs figure to reprise their roles from last season, with Crowell serving as the early-down workhorse, while Johnson acts as the passing-down back and change-of-pace runner.

Crowell suffered a shoulder injury on Friday, however his X-rays returned negative results, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal reports.

Analysis: Crowell said after his X-rays, "I'm good. I'm perfect." This indicates that the running back will likely be good to go before the Browns next preseason game next Thursday against the Falcons, and that his shoulder injury was nothing serious.

Crowell turned in a strong practice Sunday, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: Sunday's practice marked the team's first open session since the running back took some heat for an ill-advised Instagram post last month, and Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer notes that Crowell "received a warm welcome from the fans in the aftermath of his Instagram controversy." With both the running back and the team hoping to move on from the situation, Crowell will look to focus on cementing his role in the Browns' backfield for the 2016 campaign, which according to ESPN's…read more

Crowell may be punished by the Browns for an extremely insensitive Instagram post, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.

Analysis: The Browns said they have no plans to cut Crowell, but that just an apology for the post would be insufficient, and that he must take steps to make a positive difference after the post. It's unclear what these steps will be, but it's likely there will be more updates in the near future.

The Browns are expected to be a "run-oriented football team" in 2016, running game coordinator Kirby Wilson recently told Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. If the preceding comes to pass, Crowell could be poised for a breakout.

Analysis: New coach Hue Jackson has implemented a dynamic rushing attack in his previous stops, including the past two seasons as the Bengals' offensive coordinator. Perhaps Jackson has visions of implementing a similar breakdown of reps to his previous backs in Cincinnati -- Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard -- with Crowell handling the first two downs and Duke Johnson serving in a change-of-pace role. During Crowell's first two professional campaigns, the Browns ranked in the bottom half of the league in…read more

Browns head coach Hue Jackson believes Crowell will have a "sensational" 2016 season, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. "I've been getting so much mail or phones calls with people saying, 'Well wait a minute, why don't you guys have a running back?' " Jackson said. "I really think Isaiah Crowell is a really good running back. I think he's going to have a sensational season, I really do."

Analysis: The Browns are apparently confident that Crowell and Duke Johnson will form an effective duo, as the team surprisingly opted not to select any running backs in the 2016 NFL Draft. Johnson impressed as a pass-catcher last season, but there's nothing from Crowell's first two years in the league to suggest that he's anything more than a low-end starter, if that. Regardless, he's the favorite to serve as Cleveland's featured runner, with Johnson likely slated for a third-down and chance-of-pace…read more

Crowell, who carried the ball 15 times for 53 yards in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh, finished the season with 185 carries for 706 yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Analysis: Crowell also hauled in 19-of-22 targets for 182 yards and one receiving touchdown on the season, but his pass-catching prowess was largely limited by the presence of rookie Duke Johnson, who was used much more frequently on passing downs. The 22-year-old Crowell racked up nearly 100 more rushing yards than he did in 2014, but reached the end zone on the ground half as many times. The presence of Johnson can partially explain that reduction, but a more significant factor is likely the overall…read more

Crowell rushed 16 times for 88 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: The Browns' passing game really struggled Sunday, as quarterback Johnny Manziel completed just 13 of 32 passes for 136 yards, but Crowell was a solid producer, and he's now found the end zone in two of his last three games. Up next is a Week 17 matchup against the Steelers, who need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Crowell (not injury-related) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis: After being limited to nine carries for just 23 rushing yards in last Sunday's loss to Seattle, Crowell will look look to bounce back against the Chiefs in Week 16, but that's no easy order, given that they are currently on an eight-game roll. Those considering Crowell in fantasy lineups this weekend will want to check out the Browns' inactives Sunday, as pass-catching back Duke Johnson is listed as questionable by the team this week.

Crowell (not injury-related) did not practice again on Thursday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: The same applies to wideout Taylor Gabriel, though the Akron Beacon Journal relays that coach Mike Pettine expects both players to be available for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Crowell had nine carries for 23 yards and caught all three of his targets for seven yards in Sunday's 30-13 loss at Seattle.

Analysis: A week after posting a career-high 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Crowell did very little in a tough matchup, posting a long rush of just six yards. He had been more productive in general lately, rushing for 62 yards on 11 carries in Week 13 against Cincinnati. Meanwhile, rookie Duke Johnson had four carries for 46 yards, with most of that coming on a 39-yard scamper in the second half. Johnson was involved more as a pass catcher, grabbing all five of his targets for 39 yards. The…read more

Isaiah Crowell: Career game versus 49ers

Crowell exploded for 145 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Sunday's win over the 49ers. He also caught his only target for nine additional yards.

Analysis: Sunday marked the best performance of the second-year back's career, as he topped his previous mark by 67 yards, returning to the end zone for the first time since Week 2 in the process. Crowell also received 20 carries for the first time this season, and he appears to have the edge over Duke Johnson (14 touches) in terms of playing time. Although Crowell's role as lead back affords him some fantasy utility, he will be hard-pressed to repeat this performance next week in Seattle.

Crowell collected 62 rushing yards on 11 carries and added a two-yard reception in Sunday's loss to Cincinnati.

Analysis: Sunday's 62 rushing yards were Crowell's largest total since Week 4 and his 5.6 yards per carry in the game represented a season high. With rookie running back Duke Johnson doing most of his damage in the passing game, Crowell still has a hold on the featured job in Cleveland, leading Johnson in total carries 24 to 16 over the past three weeks. Being the leader of the Browns' rushing attack doesn't mean all that much, however, as the Browns trail the league in rushing yards. Despite his…read more

Crowell ran for seven yards on seven carries in Monday's loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Crowell has managed just six yards on 14 touches over the past two weeks, receiving fewer touches than rookie Duke Johnson in both contests. Given that he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 5 and is slipping behind Johnson in the pecking order in a rushing attack that is tied for worst in the league, Crowell is not worth keeping on fantasy rosters down the stretch.

Crowell rushed six times for minus-5 yards and caught one pass on two targets for four receiving yards during Sunday's 30-9 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: The Steelers led 21-3 at the half, forcing the Browns to all but forget about the run, and with Crowell not a prolific pass-catcher, he put up a dud. He's now failed to reach even 50 rushing yards in six consecutive games, and he has just two scores on the season, coming in Week 2 against the Titans and Week 5 against the Ravens. Backup Duke Johnson didn't do much on the ground either, rushing four times for 10 yards, but he was at least a little more active in the passing game, catching all…read more

Crowell had 10 carries for 38 yards and three catches for 26 yards (four targets) in Thursday's 31-10 loss to the Bengals.

Analysis: Crowell found some room to run in the first half, but he lost his footing when he had a couple of opportunities to turn solid gains in to big plays. This was a pretty typical outing, as he's received between eight and 15 carries in every game this season, with no more than three receptions in any contest. Crowell draws a Week 10 matchup with a Pittsburgh defense that's allowing just 97 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry.

Crowell rushed 10 times for 14 yards and caught one pass on two targets for 12 receiving yards Sunday against the Cardinals.

Analysis: The Browns' rushing attack continues to struggle, particularly Crowell, who has rushed 18 times for 23 yards over the last two games. He has failed to reach 50 rushing yards in four straight games, his season-high is just 72 and the last time he rushed for a touchdown was in Week 2. Up next is a tough Week 9 trip to face the 7-0 Bengals.