Demetric Felton vs. D'Ernest Johnson: Who Will Step Up With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt Injured?

UPDATE: Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will both miss Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. Chubb has been ruled out while Hunt was placed on injured reserve due to the calf injury he suffered in Week 6.

What follows is the initial story on which Cleveland Browns running back will step up in place of the two stars.

The Cleveland Browns fell to 3-3 on the 2021 season after being upset by the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Arizona, a three-point underdog on the road, dominated Cleveland as the Browns dealt with several key injuries. 

Not only does quarterback Baker Mayfield have a labral tear, but running back Nick Chubb missed Sunday’s game with an injury and backup Kareem Hunt was injured as well during the loss. Hunt, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport will now miss several weeks with a calf injury.

The Browns have a quick turnaround in Week 7, as they face the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. WynnBET has the Browns as a 5-point favorite at home, but they’re going to have to rely on some backups to get the job done. 

Demetric Felton and D'Ernest Johnson are next up behind Chubb and Hunt on the depth chart, but which running back should you target in prop bets and fantasy football in Week 7?

Demetric Felton vs. D'Ernest Johnson Week 6 Stats

Carries: 

• Felton: 0
• Johnson: 1

Receptions: 

• Felton: 2
• Johnson: 1

Total Yards:

• Felton: 14
• Johnson: 9

This isn’t much to go off, as the Browns were already out of the game when Hunt exited in Week 6. 

Both backs were involved in the passing game, but it is worth noting that Johnson received the only carry by a running back not named Hunt. 

While Felton is listed ahead of Johnson on the depth chart, Johnson has three carries this season to Felton’s zero, but Felton has made eight catches for 90 yards to Johnson’s one catch that came this past week. 

Felton seems like the back to target in any total yards or receiving props because his role is defined, but don’t be surprised if he receives less touches than Johnson if the Browns go with a run-heavy attack.