The Cleveland Browns injury woes on both sides of the ball have been critical through seven weeks. The injury bug continued last week which means running back Pierre Strong Jr. will see a bigger role this week. It started in week two when star running back Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome leg injury just the second game of the season. Chubb had played stellar and has been for years, meaning a huge loss in the backfield. Second-year player Jerome Ford took the reins and played well, but an ankle injury last game meant 1-2 weeks at least dealing with the injury.
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Former Cleveland Brown running back Kareem Hunt rejoined the team shortly after it was announced Chubb would miss the entire 2023 season. Hunt was the 1B to Chubb’s 1A last season and came into the team as the third option with everyone healthy. With two injuries, Hunt is the starter, meaning the fourth-string running back Strong will now be a backup in week 8.
Running Back Pierre Strong Jr. Jumps Up Injured Backfield
A Strong College Career
Running back Pierre Strong played for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits of the FCS for four seasons and was a very consistent player. His freshman and sophomore years he went over 1,00 yards rushing and combined for 19 rushing touchdowns and nine 100-yard games. He averaged 9.5 and 7.1 yards per rush respectively. His senior year where he played in 15 games, he ran for 1,673 yards (7.0 average). He added 18 touchdowns on the ground and nine 100-yard games.
Touchdown, Jackrabbits!
Pierre Strong, Jr., jukes and jives around left end for a 5-yard touchdown run … 17th rushing score of the season for the Walter Payton Award finalist#GoJacks🐰🏈
Video: ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/mp0NOzrCCw
— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) December 5, 2021
His success at the college level led to him being picked in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Browns took him at pick 127, but he spent his first season with the New England Patriots. He was traded for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr., and saw minimal time his rookie year. He featured in 15 games but earned just ten rushes. Each rush showed flash, as he had 100 yards (10.0 average) and found the endzone once. He also had a 44-yard run and never fumbled the ball.
Ready for the Role
With the 2023 season approaching he returned back to the Browns and has seen much more usage in his sophomore stint. He has played in six of the seven games and has 21 carries. Running back Pierre Strong Jr. has totaled 102 yards on those carries and has found the endzone once. He set season-highs last week as he was in the game for 20 snaps and had eight carries.
There are some ridiculous runs on Pierre Strong's tape. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/8UO0waeai6
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) May 1, 2022
A guy not known for his hands and usage in the passing game, he may be featured early on in drives and short-yardage situations. He can be expected to notch career-highs in many categories this weekend. Injury bug solidifies himself as the backup to Kareem Hunt.
There are two injuries to the backfield, and Hunt is an aggressive runner who seeks contact. Strong Jr. must be ready in case he is needed every down. With minimal snaps in his young career, he will look to provide a change of pace back with fresh legs. The Browns will need the running game to take pressure off a backup quarterback in his third start this season. If they can do that, the Browns could improve their winning record.
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Main Photo: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
