The Cleveland Browns have bolstered their running back depth ahead of their Week 3 showdown against the New York Giants, signing Gary Brightwell to the active roster. The move comes as the Browns deal with a depleted backfield, with Pierre Strong Jr. sidelined by a hamstring injury and Pro Bowl standout Nick Chubb still out recovering from knee surgery.
Brightwell joins the Browns after spending the first three years of his career with the Giants, the team Cleveland faces this week. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, the former sixth-round pick has appeared in 37 career games, totaling 164 rushing yards on 41 attempts with one touchdown. He’s also contributed 11 receptions for 92 yards during his time in the league.
Now in his fourth NFL season, Brightwell will look to make an impact for Cleveland in his debut, which happens to come against his former team. Last season, he appeared in seven games for the Giants and will be eager to prove himself with his new team, especially considering Cleveland’s current need for backfield production.
D’Onta Foreman Set for Expanded Role
With Chubb and Strong out, veteran running back D’Onta Foreman has taken on a heavier workload for the Browns. After being a non-factor in Week 1, Foreman led Cleveland’s rushing attack in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, carrying the ball 14 times for 42 yards. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey praised Foreman for his physical, downhill style, noting, “There’s going to be a place for his style of play within our system.”
Foreman’s physicality, coupled with Jerome Ford’s ability to lead the Browns’ ground game, will be key as the team looks to improve its rushing attack, currently ranked 21st in the NFL, averaging 109.0 rushing yards per game. Ford has been productive so far, tallying 108 yards on 19 carries through two games, while also adding seven receptions for 25 yards.
Browns Aim for Offensive Improvement
Despite showing flashes in both the run and pass games, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has emphasized the need for a more consistent and “cleaner” offensive performance. Stefanski highlighted the improvement on first and second downs in Week 2, but noted there are still areas to tighten up. “We were better, but we feel like there’s still things that we can do better, certainly, when it comes to the run game,” Stefanski said.
The Browns’ offense will need to be firing on all cylinders as they take on the Giants, and Brightwell’s addition could help keep the ground game humming as Cleveland looks to build on their 1-1 record.
Chubb’s Absence Could Extend Longer
While the Browns hope to get through this stretch without Chubb, the star running back’s absence might last longer than initially expected. According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Chubb could remain out until midseason. “Week 5 might be a little bit soon, I’d expect to see him somewhere around midseason,” Cabot shared on the “Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show.”
Cleveland has been able to get by with the 1-2 punch of Foreman and Ford, but the pressure will build as the season progresses, especially with a bye in Week 10. The Browns’ fortunes in the run game, and possibly their playoff hopes, may hinge on how quickly Chubb can return to action.
For now, all eyes will be on how the Browns adapt with their new-look backfield as they prepare to face the Giants.
