Report; Browns Playmaker Undergoes Surgery for Previously Undisclosed Injury:
Injuries have ravaged the Cleveland Browns roster this season. Most are obvious, but some are not.
Running back Kareem Hunt underwent successful surgery to address an injury that has plagued him all year, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Tuesday, Jan. 30. “Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt recently underwent sports hernia surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle,” an ESPN source wrote about Fowler on Tuesday.
The franchise has not hidden Hunt’s adductor issue, but its severity was not clear on the team’s weekly injury report. “Hunt has been on the Browns’ injury report for most of the season,” Fowler reported. “He battled through injuries and finished with 10 rushing touchdowns, including in Cleveland’s loss to Houston. Typically, an adductor tear will sideline a player for at least six to eight weeks and may require immediate surgery. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Lane Johnson suffered a similar injury last season.
Kareem Hunt likely won’t return to the Browns next season.
The Browns could spend another year with Kareem Hunt because Nick Chubb is back. Hunt rejoined the Browns after starter Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has been with the team as Chubb’s backup for the past four years, but Cleveland allowed Hunt to become a free agent before the 2023 campaign. Hunt finished the regular season with 15 starts for the Browns, including two starts. According to Pro Football Reference, he had 411 rushing yards and nine TDs and had 15 receptions for 84 receiving yards. Despite that production, Hunt averaged a career-worst 3 yards per carry while serving primarily as Jerome Ford’s backup. The sophomore has played so well that the Browns could consider moving on from Chubb this offseason if he refuses to take a pay cut. Cleveland could save $11.8 million by cutting or trading the four-time Pro Bowler, and Ford appears capable of filling a full-time starting role.
Hunt is scheduled to return to Cleveland in 2024, but plans to test free agency for two years. Even if the Browns were Hunt’s first choice, it’s highly unlikely the franchise would bring him back given Ford’s play and Chubb’s contract situation.
Kevin Stefanski credits Kareem Hunt for giving the Browns a much-needed boost after Nick Chubb’s injury.
Hunt’s time in Cleveland may be up in five years, but the entire organization has publicly praised Hunt for his contributions during that time. Coach Kevin Stefanski talked about Hunt during his Jan. 14 postseason press conference.
“I’m really happy with the way he’s playing and the way he’s playing,” Stefanski said. “Obviously we didn’t have a place until Nick got injured. But to Kareem’s credit, he stayed in great shape. I took it and processed it. He looked great, took to the system straight away and played some really good football for us. … He brings us a lot of value and is a fighter.
