Browns Running Back Kareem Hunt Had Offseason Procedure

Browns running back Kareem Hunt made an unexpected return to Cleveland in Week 3 after Nick Chubb went down with a season-ending knee injury. Hunt's familiarity with the system was and the team's culture were key in bringing him back to bolster the not weakened running back room.

The Cleveland native repaid the Browns by becoming a spark on offense, leading the team in touchdowns with nine this season – his most rushing TDs in a single season in his career. As Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Tuesday, Hunt's contributions for much of the season came while he played through a nagging groin injury. The injury required sports hernia surgery in recent days.

Sources: #Browns RB Kareem Hunt underwent sports hernia surgery to repair ruptured adductor.

Was on injury report for much of season with a groin injury, played through it.

HC Kevin Stefanski: “He provided huge value for us and he’s a battler.”https://t.co/QBWYev3Ywj
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 31, 2024

As Fowler notes, normally a ruptured adductor requires surgery immediately and can take six-to-eight weeks to full heal. Hunt, however, played through the ailment without missing a single game after joining the team in Week 3.

To go along with the nine touchdowns, Hunt added 411 yards on the ground for Cleveland this year, posting the lowest yards per carry of his career at a clip of three yards. There's more context as to why he may have struggled to gain consistent yardage now.

Still, Hunt was a key contributor for the Browns this year regardless, and scored both the the team's touchdowns in that 45-14 blowout loss to the Texans on Wild Card Weekend.

Hunt indicated he'd like to be back with the Browns again next season if it's in the card, but also made it known wherever he ends up next he'll always support the Browns.