Ford returned five kickoffs for 93 yards and did not play on offense in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Steelers in Week 18.
What it means:
Ford, who had a season-high five carries last week, was not used as a running back Sunday. Instead, the Browns went with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, much as they did all season. Hunt and fellow back D'Ernest Johnson are in the final year of contracts expected to hit the open market in March. Ford appears poised to become the top backup to Chubb next season.
Ford had a season-high five carries for nine yards and returned one kickoff for 23 yards in Sunday's 24-10 win over Washington in Week 17.
What it means:
Ford played a season-high seven snaps on offense, as the Browns, whose postseason chances were eliminated in last week, begin preparations for 2023. The rookie had more touches than Kareem Hunt (two carries, one catch), who is in the final year of his contact. Also notable is that D'Ernest Johnson, in the final year of his deal, did not play on offense. Ford appears to be lining up as Nick Chubb's top backup next season.
Ford had three carries for three yards and returned three kickoffs for 48 yards in Sunday's 27-14 win over the Texans in Week 13.
What it means:
Ford had appeared in games as a special teams player only until Sunday, when he played seven snaps on offense and was given his first touches as a running back. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt healthy, there isn't much need for a third back. However, it was interesting to see Ford get snaps over D'Ernest Johnson.
Ford returned to two kickoffs for 67 yards in Sunday's 23-17 overtime win over Tampa Bay.
What it means:
Ford continues to provide value as a kickoff returner, but the rookie has yet to play a snap on offense through seven contests. That's unlikely to change as long as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are healthy, or possibly if the Browns' playoff chances are scuttled. Ford's 27.4 average kickoff return is tied for tops in the NFL for players with at least 10 returns.
Ford returned two kickoffs for 49 yards in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Bills in Week 11.
What it means:
Ford has been valuable as a returner, averaging 26.3 yards per return, which ranks third among players with at least 10 returns. Once again, Demetric Felton was inactive, so Ford appears to be in the team's long-range plans.
Ford returned three kickoffs for 95 yards and did not play on offense in Sunday's 39-17 loss to the Dolphins in Week 10.
What it means:
Ford was activated off injured reserve and made an immediate impact with a 48-yard return on the opening kickoff. That put Cleveland in business to take a 7-0 lead early. Ford missed the bare minimum while on IR. There will be little chance of him elevating to a prominent backfield role, unless the Browns experience multiple injuries up the depth chart.
