Kareem Hunt, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Expected to Miss Several Weeks
According to head coach Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt is expected to miss several weeks due to a calf injury he suffered against the Arizona Cardinals and will likely to be placed on injured reserve. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will also be out an estimated four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain he suffered near the end of the game.
Another injury to player for the Browns to add to a long list, especially when it comes to the offensive side of the ball, Hunt's news is better than expected news.
When Hunt initially went down, it was a non-contact injury and he was grabbing at his calf, which looked like it could be an Achilles' injury, which would not have only ended his season, but might have dramatically impacted his remaining career.
So in that sense, this news is a relief. Nevertheless, the Browns lose another player that contributes heavily on offense, a unit that is already undermanned and they need to find a way to start stacking wins.
If Hunt were only to miss three games, he could be back as early as Week 10 when the Browns take on the New England Patriots. The Browns may be looking at a more realistic target as November 28th when the Browns take on the Baltimore Ravens in the first of back to back games separated by a bye week.
Meanwhile, the rookie linebacker's injury is pretty devastating. JOK had found a way to make significant contributions despite being a rookie with question marks about how viable he could be early. He found a way to make an impact and brought a new dynamic to the defense.
The problem for JOK is that his game is predicated on speed, so a high ankle sprain may take longer for him to beat than players at other positions. It largely comes down to pain tolerance at some level, it is remarkably painful and makes it harder for a player to explode off their foot, which is critical to his game.
Malcolm Smith, who had been filling in at middle linebacker, will likely go back to weak side linebacker and man the position along with Mack Wilson. Elijah Lee may need to step in and play at times for Anthony Walker in the middle.
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