How long is Kareem Hunt out? Injury timeline, return date, latest updates for Browns RB
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The Browns will be hunting for running back production on Thursday night.
Kareem Hunt, half of Cleveland’s 1-2 punch in the backfield, is out for quite a bit after suffering a calf injury in a Week 6 matchup vs. the Cardinals. Late in the game, Hunt snuck out of the backfield to run a route, but instead hit the turf on a non-contact injury.
Hunt was soon carted to the locker room after paying visit to the blue medical tent along the Browns sideline, further raising anxieties for Browns fans (and fantasy owners) around the country.
Thankfully for Hunt, the worst-case scenario didn’t come to pass, as the running back didn’t injury his Achilles as was initially feared and speculated. Instead, he’s expected to miss several division matchups while recovering from the injury.
Here’s the latest on Hunt’s injury, and when you can expect to see him back for the Browns.
How long is Kareem Hunt out?
On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the Browns placed the running back on Injured Reserve, meaning he’ll miss at least the next three games while he recovers from a calf injury.
The Browns are scheduled to face the Broncos in Week 7 (« Thursday Night Football ») followed by division rival Steelers in Week 8 at home and Bengals in Week 9. Should Hunt’s recovery and rehab go well, he will be eligible to come off IR the week of the Patriots matchup in Foxborough in Week 10.
However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Hunt could be out four-to-six weeks while recovering from the strain. That could place Hunt’s timeline anywhere from the Lions matchup in Week 11, the Ravens game in Week 12 or following the Browns’ Week 13 Bye Week. That would place Hunt’s potential return at home vs. the Ravens in Week 14, if the full six weeks is needed.
From @NFLTotalAccess: #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has a minor calf strain, Cam Newton has been talking to the #Seahawks, while #Browns RB Kareem Hunt is out 4-6 weeks with a calf injury. pic.twitter.com/2A57NGbXv7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2021
What is Kareem Hunt’s injury?
Hunt is dealing with a strained right calf sutained during the Browns 34-17 loss to the Cardinals in Week 6. In the fourth quarter of the game, Hunt snuck out of the backfield as a checkdown option for Baker Mayfield, before hitting the turf with a non-contact injury.
Immediately, Hunt grabbed at his right Achilles area, leading to speculation that he ruptured the tendon in his right leg. He was eventually carted off after emerging from the medical tent on the Cleveland sideline.
Non contact injury by Kareem Hunt and he’s grabbing his Achilles pic.twitter.com/pu4E20oF0d
— Alex👋 (@dbs408) October 17, 2021
Following the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski reaffirmed that Hunt did not rupture his Achilles and instead suffered a calf injury. Stefanski also said that an MRI on Monday would further determine the severity of the calf strain.
On Tuesday, the Browns would place Hunt on IR, keeping him out at least the next three games.
Kareem Hunt injury timeline
Kareem Hunt is being carted off of the field. pic.twitter.com/PKt3COkxzX
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 17, 2021
Browns’ RB Kareem Hunt is is out at least three weeks with the calf injured he suffered Sunday, per source. “Hopefully not much longer then that but we will see,” said source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2021
Later in the day, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport adds that the injury is a bit more serious and he would be hitting the shelf for about four-to-six weeks, leaving the Browns backfield without half of their running back tandem.
