January 3, 2025
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns are placing running backs
Jerome Ford (ankle) and
Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) and tight end
David Njoku (knee) on Injured Reserve, ending their season. All three players were previously ruled out for Sunday's game, and this move opens up additional roster spots for the Browns on Saturday. As a result, fantasy managers should expect
D'Onta Foreman and
John Kelly to see most of the snaps in the backfield on Saturday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens.
Jordan Akins will likely get the start at tight end. Ford opened the season as the starter with
Nick Chubb sidelined and reclaimed that role for the past few weeks when Chubb's season ended due to a foot fracture. Njoku also batted injuries throughout the season but began to find his footing over his past five contests, averaging 15.4 PPR points. Foreman and Akins are viable plays in deeper formats this weekend and are high-floor options in DFS.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Adam Schefter
January 2, 2025
Cleveland Browns running backs
Jerome Ford (ankle) and
Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) have both been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Ford sprained his ankle in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins and will be unavailable to play in the final game of the season. With
Nick Chubb (foot) getting a late start in 2024 while recovering from a gruesome knee injury he suffered in 2023, Ford opened 2024 as Cleveland's RB1 and will finish the year as their leading rusher with 104 rushing attempts for 565 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and a team-high-tying three rushing touchdowns. With both Ford and Strong out this weekend,
D'Onta Foreman will be in play as a low-upside RB3/flex for fantasy managers as the team's lead back.
John Kelly should serve as his backup.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Associated Press - Tom Withers
January 2, 2025
Cleveland Browns running back
Jerome Ford (ankle) is trending toward missing the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens after missing a third straight practice on Thursday.
Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) has also missed practice all week for the Browns, so it will likely be
D'Onta Foreman serving as Cleveland's leading ball-carrier this weekend, with
John Kelly in line to serve as his primary backup. The Browns will release their final Week 18 injury report later on Thursday, with both Ford and Strong likely being ruled out for a meaningless game for the Browns. In a game that the Browns will most likely have negative game script, Foreman shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a low-upside RB3/flex for fantasy lineups. The 28-year-old saw 13 carries for 49 yards (3.8 yards per tote) last week when Ford injured his ankle.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
January 1, 2025
According to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Cleveland Browns running back
Jerome Ford (ankle) will not practice again on Wednesday. Ford will now miss his second-straight practice and could be in danger of missing Saturday's contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Thursday's session. Ford left last weekend's game early due to an ankle injury. Over his past three contests, Ford has tallied 198 total rushing yards while posting a strong 8.3 YPC. No.2 running back Pierre Strong (concussion) will also not practice on Wednesday. This could leave
D'Onta Foreman and
John Kelly as the lone running backs during their final game of the season. Foreman would be a viable low-end RB2 if given the start.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Daniel Oyefusi
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