Played on 35 of 69 offensive snaps in Week 13 (50.7%), his lowest playtime pct since Week 8 (31.1%)

Finds end zone in Week 13 loss

Ford carried the ball nine times for 19 yards and caught all three of his targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-19 loss to the Rams.

Analysis: He and Kareem Hunt essentially switched roles in this one, as Hunt led the Browns with 12 carries but it was Ford who made an impact through the air. How much of that usage was due to Joe Flacco being under center rather than rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion) isn't yet clear, but the backfield duo figures to remain in some sort of timeshare heading into a Week 14 clash with the Jaguars' stout run defense.

Solid showing against Denver

Ford carried the ball nine times for 65 yards and caught four of seven targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 29-12 loss to the Broncos.

Analysis: Despite his big 7.2 yards per carry average, Ford failed to get double-digit carries for only the third time this season as the Browns struggled to control the ball with rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion) and then PJ Walker under center. Ford remains the team's top backfield option over Kareem Hunt (seven touches for 22 yards Sunday), and he's topped 70 scrimmage yards in three of the last four games despite the turmoil around him in the offense. Regardless of who's at quarterback,…read more

Expected heavy workload

Ford is expected to have a significant role Week 12 against the Broncos, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Cleveland's Week 12 gameplan shouldn't change much from last week -- ride the combination of Ford and Kareem Hunt while making short, manageable throws from rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. What makes the plan enticing is the Broncos' last-in-the-league run defense, which has allowed 160 yards per game. That average is partially skewed by a Week 3 loss to Miami (350 rushing yards), but even on its current four-game win streak, Denver has given up 5.3 yards per carry. Ford, who is…read more

Saves day with touchdown

Ford rushed the ball 12 times for 31 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 13-10 win over the Steelers. He added two receptions on five targets for eight yards.

Analysis: In a change from prior weeks, Ford split work out of the Cleveland backfield exactly evenly with Kareem Hunt. Neither put up an impressive line, but Ford did cash in a one-yard score to record the Browns' only touchdown of the day. While that saved his performance in Week 11, he may have difficulty finding success with Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center, as opposing defenses may be willing to crowd the line of scrimmage. Big numbers may be particularly hard to come by if Ford continues to…read more

Tops 100 yards against Ravens

Ford rushed the ball 17 times for 107 yards in Sunday's 33-31 win over the Ravens. He added one reception for two yards.

Analysis: Ford continued to lead the Browns backfield, as he out-touched Kareem Hunt by an 18-10 margin. He recorded his second 100-yard effort of the season and also became only the second back to reach the century mark on the ground against the Ravens. Much of that came on big plays of 28 and 13 yards, though Ford averaged an impressive 6.3 yards per carry overall. Since Cleveland's bye in Week 5, Ford has topped 80 yards from scrimmage in three of five games.

Garners 25 touches in win

Ford rushed 20 times for 44 yards and secured five of seven targets for 33 yards in the Browns' 27-0 win over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: Ford outpaced backfield mate Kareem Hunt by six carries, and neither back was able to find much success save for Hunt's short touchdown run against what had been a fairly porous Cardinals run defense. However, Ford was able to partly make up for the inefficient day on the ground with impressive volume as a receiver, and his hefty workload dispelled any concerns about the condition of his previously gimpy ankle. Ford is likely to remain the de facto lead back in a Week 10 road divisional…read more

Suiting up alongside Watson Week 9

Ford (ankle) practiced fully Friday and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.

Analysis: Ford upgraded to full participation Friday after being limited Wednesday and Thursday. He injured his ankle in Week 7 against the Colts and played through the injury in Week 8 against the Seahawks, though Ford handled only nine carries compared to 14 for Kareem Hunt and 10 for Pierre Strong. Hunt and Strong could remain involved Sunday, but if Ford's close to full health, he'll likely reclaim the lead back role in a Browns offense that will be welcoming back starting quarterback Deshaun Watson…read more

Stays limited in practice

Ford (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Ford is still working his way back from a right high-ankle sprain sustained in the Browns' Week 7 win over the Colts, but the injury didn't stop him from being available for this past Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, albeit in a limited capacity. After following up his nine-carry, one-catch performance in Seattle with two limited practices to begin Week 9 prep, Ford appears on track to play Sunday against the Cardinals, but it's not yet clear if he'll head into the game with an injury…read more

Deemed limited Wednesday

Ford (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Per Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Ford said his ankle feels "pretty good" at this stage of the week, an indication he experienced no setbacks with playing through the injury in this past Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. After suffering the high-ankle sprain in the Browns' Week 7 win over the Colts, Ford initially didn't appear to be in line to play Week 8, but he was ultimately active for the contest despite carrying a questionable designation into Sunday. Ford was more limited than usual against…read more

Volume decreases

Ford carried the ball nine times for 37 yards in Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Seahawks.

Analysis: Ford was surprisingly active after suffering an ankle injury in Week 7, though he was on the wrong end of a three-way backfield split for Cleveland. The Browns were clearly monitoring his volume and saved him for the fourth quarter, when he accounted for seven of his nine carries. Ford is unlikely to get a full workload during the second half of the season, though it's realistic to expect his volume to tick back up once his ankle has some time to heal. With that in mind, monitoring his practice…read more

In uniform Sunday

Ford (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Analysis: After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, Ford was a limited participant in Friday's session, which set the stage for the Browns to list him as questionable for Sunday's contest. With his Week 8 active status confirmed, Ford is slated to work through an ankle issue that initial reports suggested could lead to the running back missing a week or two. With that in mind, it remains to be seen how close to a full workload Ford will be up for versus Seattle and if he's limited at all or suffers…read more

Pushing to play Sunday

Ford (ankle), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Seattle, will go through a pregame warmup before the Browns decide whether he's available to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: After sustaining a high-ankle sprain in last week's win over the Colts and then missing practices Wednesday and Thursday, Ford appeared to stand little chance of being available for the Week 8 contest. However, he surprisingly returned to the practice field Friday as a limited participant, prompting the Browns to list him as questionable heading into the weekend. Schefter relays that Ford wants and intends to play Sunday, but if the Browns have any reservations about the health of his ankle,…read more

Questionable for Sunday's contest

Ford (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Ford "surprised" the Browns with how well he ran Thursday, and with the running back having tested his ankle out during Friday's practice, he now has a chance to play this weekend. Look for added context with regard to Ford's status to arrive prior to Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff. If Ford ends up on the inactive list or is available to play in only a limited capacity, added backfield reps would be available for Kareem Hunt (thigh) and Pierre Strong.

Present for practice Friday

Ford (ankle) was spotted on the field for practice Friday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Trotter reported earlier in Week 8 prep that Ford's "low grade, high ankle" sprain was expected to sideline him for 1-to-2 weeks, but the running back's appearance on the field Friday offers hope that he might be able to play Sunday against the Seahawks. The Browns' final Week 8 injury report will be released later Friday and will bring further clarity to Ford's status. While Ford missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday, Kareem Hunt (thigh) returned to a limited session Thursday after being…read more

Missing from practice Thursday

Ford (ankle) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: The Browns haven't officially ruled Ford out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, but with two straight absences from practice to begin Week 8 prep, the running back looks all but guaranteed to sit out this weekend. On a positive note, the Browns remain optimistic that Ford's right high-ankle sprain will keep him out for just 1-to-2 weeks, putting him on track to avoid a stint on injured reserve, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. According to Petrak, Kareem Hunt is scheduled to practice…read more

Expected to avoid IR

Ford (ankle) is responding well to treatment and may miss only a week or two of game action, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The right high-ankle sprain Ford suffered in Sunday's 39-38 win over the Colts isn't considered severe, so Cleveland is hopeful he'll avoid a stint on injured reserve, which would keep him out for a minimum of four games. Ford is still in line to miss at least the Browns' Week 8 game in Seattle, leaving Kareem Hunt (thigh) and Pierre Strong as the likely leaders of Cleveland's backfield.

Not practicing Wednesday

Ford (ankle) won't practice Wednesday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Kareem Hunt (thigh) will also sit out Wednesday's session, and with Nick Chubb (knee) done for the season and Jake Trotter of ESPN.com having already reported that Ford is expected to miss 1-to-2 weeks, it's not surprising that the Browns signed Nate McCrary and Jordan Wilkins to the practice squad this week to add healthy bodies to a depleted running back room. For now, Pierre Strong profiles as the healthiest back on Cleveland's roster, though Hunt would likely serve as the Browns' lead…read more

Slated to miss time with ankle injury

Ford is reportedly dealing with what Adam Schefter of ESPN describes as a low grade, high right-ankle sprain that is expected to sideline the running back for one-to-two weeks.

Analysis: The team has yet to confirm Ford's injury, but it looks like Ford is trending toward missing Sunday's road game against the Seahawks. If that's the case, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong would be in line to lead the Browns' Week 8 backfield. Prior to exiting Sunday's 39-38 win over the Colts, Ford had carried 11 times for 74 yards and a TD and caught two of his four targets for 20 yards.

Dealing with right ankle issue

Ford, who suffered a right ankle injury during Sunday's 39-38 win over the Colts, was spotted after the contest wearing a protective boot, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Prior to his departure from the contest, Ford logged 11 carries for 74 yards and a TD and caught two of his four targets for 20 yards. Now that he's dealing with an ankle issue, Ford's status for next weekend's game against the Seahawks will need to be monitored. If he ends up limited or sidelined in Week 8, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong would be next up for the Browns' RB touches, with Deon Jackson potentially a candidate to mix in.

Exits Sunday's game

Ford was forced out of Sunday's game against the Colts with an ankle injury, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Prior to his exit, Ford carried 11 times for 74 yards and a TD and caught two of his four targets for 20 yards. In his absence, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong are next up for the Browns' Week 7 carries.

Strong fourth quarter in upset win

Ford rushed 17 times for 84 yards and caught both of his targets for seven yards in Sunday's 19-17 win over the 49ers.

Analysis: Kareem Hunt ran in a 16-yard touchdown in the second quarter among his season-high 12 carries, while Ford seemed headed for a third consecutive quiet game prior to coming alive in the fourth quarter. Ford ripped off runs of 13, 14 and 22 yards to set up a pair of Cleveland field goals, the latter of which ended up being the game-winner. This was a nice bounce-back performance from Ford after he had mustered just 44 yards on 19 carries over the previous two games, and the potential return of…read more

Practices fully Thursday

Ford (knee) practiced fully Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Ford was listed as limited Wednesday, but his return to a full session a day later sets the stage for the running back to suit up Sunday against the 5-0 49ers. In the Browns' Week 4 loss to the Ravens, Ford logged 43 snaps and carried nine times for 26 yards while catching five of his six targets for 19 yards. This time around, Ford is in line to continue to lead a Cleveland backfield that also includes Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong, but the trio will be up against a stout San Francisco run…read more

Knee issue downplayed

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt noted Thursday that Ford's knee issue isn't a concern ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Ford was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, but it appears as though his limitations were maintenance related. That said, the Browns' top running back will need to practice fully by Friday in order to avoid a Week 6 injury designation.

Logs limited practice

Ford was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a knee injury, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Even with the benefit of a Week 5 bye, Ford is apparently banged up as the Browns begin preparing for Sunday's matchup with the 49ers. The Browns' lead back has two more chances to upgrade to full participation and thus avoid taking an injury designation into the weekend.

Bottled up with Watson out

Ford rushed nine times for 26 yards while catching five of six targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 28-3 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Ford struggled to find running lanes with Baltimore stacking the box against rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson after Deshaun Watson (shoulder) was ruled out during pregame warmups. On the bright side, Ford led the Browns in rushing attempts again while Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong had five carries apiece. Ford should continue to lead Cleveland's backfield when the Browns host the 49ers in Week 6, and Watson could be back under center after the team's Week 5 bye.

Practices fully Thursday

Ford (shoulder) was a full practice participant Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Ford was limited in the Browns' first Week 4 practice session Wednesday, but the running back's return to a full activity Thursday paves the way for him to lead the backfield Sunday against the Ravens. Even with the Browns re-signing Kareem Hunt (ribs/groin) and making him active for this past Sunday's win over the Titans, Ford still handled a majority of the snaps (55 percent) on offense and accounted for two total touchdowns and 51 yards on 12 touches.

Limited due to shoulder injury

Ford was a limited participant in practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Ford is appearing on the injury report for the first time this season, though his ability to begin the week as a limited participant in practice at least bodes well for his chances of getting cleared ahead of Sunday's game against Baltimore. The second-year back may just be banged up after stepping into the lead role since Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the Browns' Week 2 loss to the Steelers. Over the last two games, Ford has amassed 182 yards from scrimmage and three…read more

Two touchdowns as lead back

Ford rushed the ball 10 times for 18 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-3 win over the Titans. He added two receptions on three targets for 33 yards and another score.

Analysis: This was Cleveland's first full game without Nick Chubb (knee), and Ford led the backfield with 12 total touches. However, he didn't dominate work, as both Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong entered the game on the first drive, racking up seven and six touches, respectively. Ford was the least efficient of the backs on the ground, but he managed to salvage his day with a 19-yard touchdown reception and a three-yard plunge into the end zone. He should get another chance to lead Cleveland's backfield…read more

Still lead back after Hunt signing

Head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated Wednesday that he still views Ford as the team's lead back after the Browns re-signed Kareem Hunt, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: At this point in his career, Hunt is more of a threat to poach targets and passing-down snaps than anything else, though his combination of NFL experience and scheme familiarity could help him earn some carries as well. The lead ball carrier role is Ford's to lose after Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury, and the early returns were good with the second-year pro running for 106 yards and scoring a receiving touchdown in Monday's 26-22 loss to Pittsburgh. It's unclear if Hunt will…read more

Will get look as feature back

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Ford will step in as the team's featured running back this weekend versus the Titans, though Cleveland will still look to add another back to the roster after Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending left knee injury in Monday's loss to the Steelers, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: While a precise diagnosis of Chubb's injury hasn't yet been provided, Stefanski confirmed that the star running back would require season-ending surgery. After Chubb exited two plays into the second quarter of Monday's contest, Ford stepped in capably in his first extended NFL action, carrying 16 times for 106 yards and adding three catches for 25 yards and a touchdown on four targets. A 69-yard run in which he reversed field after encountering a crowd at the line of scrimmage represented the…read more

Excels as in-game replacement

Ford rushed 16 times for 106 yards and brought in three of four targets for 25 yards and a touchdown in the Browns' 26-22 loss to the Steelers on Monday night. He also recorded a two-point conversion rush.

Analysis: Ford took over lead-back duties once Nick Chubb went down with what Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports could be a season-ending knee injury early in the second quarter. Ford continued to torment the Steelers' defense in much the same manner as Chubb had before exiting, finishing with a career-high yardage total while also flashing his pass-catching chops. The 2022 fifth-round pick is now in line to helm the Browns' ground attack if Chubb's injury is as bad as feared, although a signing of a…read more

Logs double-digit carries

Ford rushed 15 times for 38 yards, had a red-zone fumble, and was not targeted in Sunday's 24-3 win over the Bengals in Week 1. He did not get a chance to return a kickoff.

Analysis: Ford had a first-quarter fumble in the red zone, but his gaffe did not end up having an impact on the game. Messy field conditions in Cleveland offer an excuse, but Ford will want to exercise better ball security in his new role as Cleveland's primary backup to Nick Chubb, who had 18 carries for 106 yards. The backfield took a back seat to the wide receivers in terms of targets, as only four passes were directed to running backs (all to Chubb). It was unclear how much use Ford would get after…read more

Back at practice

Ford (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: Ford had been nursing a hamstring injury, but now that he's back on the field, he'll look to cement his role as Nick Chubb's top backup. Also in the Browns' backfield mix in the wake of Tuesday's roster cuts is recent trade acquisition Pierre Strong, who slots in as a change-of-pace option for the team.

Could be ready for Week 1

Coach Kevin Stefanski noted Tuesday that Ford (hamstring) won't practice this week but that the running back hasn't been ruled out for the Browns' season opener Sept. 10 against the Bengals, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Analysis: The report adds that Ford is making progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury, and the hope is that the running back will be ready for Week 1 action. Once he's back in the mix, the 2022 fifth-rounder is slated to back up Nick Chubb, the Browns' clear-cut lead runner. In Ford's absence, added reps are available for Demetric Felton, John Kelly, Hassan Hall and Jordan Wilkins.

Labeled week-to-week

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Ford (hamstring) is week-to-week, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Ford, who suffered a hamstring injury at practice Monday, won't be available for Friday's preseason game against the Commanders and will be considered week-to-week after that. Once healthy, Ford looks like the lead candidate for the No. 2 backfield role behind Nick Chubb, but that could change if he's forced to miss a substantial amount of first-team reps. Demetric Felton, John Kelly and Hassan Hall will all get increased opportunities to compete as long as Ford is sidelined.

Injured during practice

Ford left practice early Monday due to a hamstring injury, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegramreports.

Analysis: Ford is currently expected to hold down the No. 2 running back role behind starter Nick Chubb. However, his injury could derail those plans if he has to miss any kind of extended time. Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ford mainly worked as a return man last season, but with the departures of Kareem Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson, the 23-year-old is in line for a significant increase in opportunities in 2023. Ford now will focus on making a return to the field as soon as possible.

Gets work at running back

Ford has received a steady dose of reps at running back over the first few practices at training camp, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.

Analysis: This should not come as a surprise, as the Browns let Kareem Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson walk during the offseason, paving the way for Ford to become the top backup to starter Nick Chubb. Of note, Poisal points out Ford is getting a chance to show off his receiving ability out of the backfield. "A big reason that we drafted him in '22 was because of his ability as a receiver, and we think that he'll be able to play that role really well," Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry said. Ford also…read more

Will remain top returner

Ford will remain the Browns' top kick returner in 2023, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.

Analysis: Ford, who was Cleveland's primary returner on kickoffs last year, will retain those duties even though his role on offense will expand as the No. 2 running back behind Nick Chubb. Cleveland running backs coach Stump Mitchell is confident Ford can step in as the top backup, a role handled by Kareem Hunt the last four seasons, noting Ford's strong work this spring on pass protection.

Top man at OTAs

Ford was the first running back in full team drills Wednesday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Top back Nick Chubb was notably absent from the voluntary OTA program, so Ford moved into the lead role for the practice. He impressed decision-makers as a rookie and appears headed for a larger role behind Chubb in 2023.

Next man up behind Chubb

Ford figures to start offseason practices as Cleveland's No. 2 running back, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Ford played 14 snaps on offense and 145 on special teams as a rookie last year, taking eight carries for 12 yards and 30 kick returns for 723 yards. He's now in a much better position to earn RB reps, as the Browns lost third-stringer D'Ernest Johnson to Jacksonville and seemingly don't plan to re-sign second-stringer Kareem Hunt. The other players behind Nick Chubb as of mid-May are Demetric Felton, John Kelly, Nate McCrary and UDFA rookie Hassan Hall -- a group with 40 combined NFL carries.…read more

No run on offense

Ford returned five kickoffs for 93 yards and did not play on offense in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Steelers in Week 18.

Analysis: Ford, who had a season-high five carries last week, was not used as a running back Sunday. Instead, the Browns went with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, much as they did all season. Hunt and fellow back D'Ernest Johnson are in the final year of contracts and expected to hit the open market in March. Ford appears poised to become the top backup to Chubb next season.

Five carries in win

Ford had a season-high five carries for nine yards and returned one kickoff for 23 yards in Sunday's 24-10 win over Washington in Week 17.

Analysis: Ford played a season-high seven snaps on offense as the Browns, whose postseason chances were eliminated last week, begin preparations for 2023. The rookie had more touches than Kareem Hunt (two carries, one catch), who is in the final year of his contact. Also notable is that D'Ernest Johnson, in the final year of his deal, did not play at all on offense. Barring an offseason addition in the draft, Ford appears on track to be Nick Chubb's top backup next season.

Gets first carries

Ford had three carries for three yards and returned three kickoffs for 48 yards in Sunday's 27-14 win over the Texans.

Analysis: Ford had appeared in games as a special teams player only until Sunday, when he played seven snaps on offense and was given his first touches as a running back. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt healthy, there isn't much need for a third back. However, it was interesting to see Ford get snaps over D'Ernest Johnson.

Returns two kicks

Ford returned to two kickoffs for 67 yards in Sunday's 23-17 overtime win over Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Ford continues to provide value as a kickoff returner, but the rookie has yet to play a snap on offense through seven contests. That's unlikely to change as long as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are healthy, or possibly if the Browns' playoff chances are scuttled. Ford's 27.4 average kickoff return is tied for tops in the NFL for players with at least 10 returns.

Limited to return duties

Ford returned two kickoffs for 49 yards in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Bills in Week 11.

Analysis: Ford has been valuable on special teams, averaging 26.3 yards per return -- third among players with at least 10 returns. Once again, Demetric Felton was inactive, so Ford appears to have that role locked up.

Back as returner

Ford returned three kickoffs for 95 yards and did not play on offense in Sunday's 39-17 loss to the Dolphins.

Analysis: Ford, who missed the bare minimum of four games on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, was activated over the weekend and made an immediate impact with a 48-yard return on Sunday's opening kickoff. While there will be little chance of him getting elevated to a prominent backfield role unless the Browns experience multiple injuries up the depth chart, he should serve as the top kickoff returner. Ford may also be the top punt returner, too, but the Dolphins never had to punt Sunday.

Back from IR

Cleveland activated Ford (ankle) from its injured reserve list Saturday ahead of Sunday's game at Miami, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Analysis: After sitting out the Browns' last four games, Ford appears to have fully recovered from the ankle injury he sustained in Week 4 versus Atlanta. The fifth-round rookie will likely resume his role as Cleveland's primary kick returner in Week 10.

Designated to return from IR

Ford (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve Monday.

Analysis: The Browns now have a 21-day window to either activate Ford or leave him on IR for the remainder of the season. The running back has been out since suffering a left ankle injury in Week 4 versus the Falcons and would likely slide back into a prominent role as a return specialist for Cleveland once healthy.

Placed on IR

The Browns placed Ford (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Analysis: Ford suffered the left ankle injury during the team's Week 4 loss to the Falcons and will be sidelined for at least four additional games. The rookie fifth-round pick played exclusively on special teams through the first four games of the season, returning six kickoffs for 145 yards. In his absence, D'Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton are the most likely candidates to take over as the Browns' primary kick returner.

Forced out in Week 4

Ford (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Ford has played exclusively on special teams over the first three weeks of the season, netting 111 kick return yards over this span. With the rookie temporary sidelined, D'Ernest Johnson will take over the Browns' primary kick return duties.

Returns one kick

Ford did not play on offense and returned one kickoff for 15 yards in Thursday's 29-17 win over the Steelers.

Analysis: Ford has been the Browns' primary returner of kickoffs through three weeks but has yet to get a snap on offense.

Returns two kicks

Ford returned two kickoffs for 67 yards in Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Jets in Week 2.

Analysis: Ford has been active the first two weeks but has yet to play on offense. There isn't a need as long as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are healthy. Ford has returned three kickoffs for an average of 32 yards per return, which ranks third in the league and first among players with more than one attempt.

Returns kicks Saturday

Ford returned one kickoff for 22 yards in Saturday's preseason finale against the Bears.

Analysis: Ford did not play a snap on offense, suggesting the Browns have seen enough of the fifth-round draft pick, who was impressive over the first two preseason games. He's an apparent lock to earn a spot at running back, but with a such a crowded position, the Browns could be looking at the rookie as a returner. Jakeem Grant, a wide receiver signed to be the primary returner for punts and kickoffs, suffered an Achilles injury and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season. In addition to…read more

Nice follow-up

Ford had nine carries for 31 yards and caught four of four targets for 26 yards in Sunday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Analysis: Similar to last week's opener, Ford showed off his skill as receiver. The rookie fifth-round pick has eight catches on nine targets for 71 yards through two preseason games. Ford wasn't used much as a pass catcher at the University of Cincinnati, hauling in just 31 balls over three seasons for the Bearcats, but the Browns unearthed those skills during offseason training activities, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. "Since we've gotten him on campus, he's done a very nice job in…read more