This season, injuries wreaked havoc on the Cleveland Browns squad, largely in obvious ways, but also in a few unexpected ones.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Tuesday, January 30, that running back Kareem Hunt underwent successful surgery to address an injury that has bothered him for much of the season.
“Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt recently underwent sports hernia surgery to repair a ruptured adductor, sources told ESPN on Tuesday,” Fowler wrote in an email.
The club did not conceal Hunt’s adductor condition, but the severity of it was not revealed in the team’s weekly injury report.
“Hunt was listed on the Browns’ injury report with a groin issue for much of the season,” Fowler said. “He played despite the injury and scored 10 rushing touchdowns, including one in Cleveland’s wild-card loss to Houston. A ruptured adductor usually requires emergency surgery and can keep athletes out for at least six to eight weeks. Lane Johnson, right tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, overcame a similar injury last season on his way to the Super Bowl.
Kareem Hunt is unlikely to return to the Browns next season.
Hunt returned to the Browns after starter Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had been Chubb’s backup for the previous four years, but Cleveland decided to let Hunt leave in free agency before the 2023 season.
Hunt appeared in 15 regular-season games for the Browns, starting two of them. According to Pro Football Reference, he rushed for 411 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground while also making 15 receptions for 84 yards.
Despite his production, Hunt had a career-low average of 3 yards per rush while serving primarily as Jerome Ford’s backup. The second-year running back performed well enough that the Browns may contemplate moving on from Chubb this offseason if he demands a pay cut. Cleveland can save $11.8 million by releasing or moving the four-time Pro Bowler, and Ford appears capable of assuming a full-time starting role.
Hunt is open to returning to Cleveland in 2024, but he intends to test the waters in free agency for the second straight year. Even if the Browns are Hunt’s first option, it is unlikely the team will bring him back given Ford’s performance and Chubb’s contract status.
Kevin Stefanski praises Kareem Hunt for giving the Browns the necessary boost after Nick Chubb’s injury.
Though Hunt’s stint in Cleveland may have come to an end after five years, the team has publicly acknowledged the running back for his efforts throughout that period.
On January 14, head coach Kevin Stefanski discussed Hunt during his year-end press conference.
“I’m so appreciative of him and the way he played and the style with which he played,” Stefanski said in a statement. “Obviously, prior to Nick’s accident, we did not have a position. To Kareem’s credit, he remained in excellent form. We took him in and worked him out. He performed admirably for us, quickly readjusting to the system and playing excellent football. He added significant value to our organization and is a fighter.”
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