Nick Chubb tests positive for COVID-19: Browns RB’s status in question for Week 10 vs. Patriots

Nick Chubb might be unavailable for the Browns’ Week 10 matchup against the Patriots.

Several reporters confirmed that Browns running backs Chubb and Demetric Felton are the latest in the league to test positive for COVID-19. The diagnosis excludes them from practice for the remainder of the week and their availability is in question as they prepare to travel to Foxborough, Mass.  

Both players are vaccinated, according to several sources, so they haven’t been ruled out for their upcoming matchup. Adhering to the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, both players need two negative tests 24 hours apart to play on Sunday. 

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During the Browns’ 41-16 victory over the Bengals last week, Chubb rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns on only 14 carries. He broke free for a 70-yard score to extend the Browns’ lead in the third quarter. Despite missing two matchups with a calf injury, Chubb is third in the league with 721 rushing yards and leads Cleveland with six rushing touchdowns.

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Although he didn’t see any action against the Bengals, Felton acted as a replacement to running back Kareem Hunt, who is still on the injured reserve with a calf injury. He rushed for 16 yards on three carries and has caught 13-of-14 passes for 147 yards with a receiving touchdown. He’s also the Browns’ leading punt returner with 26 returns for 218 yards and an 8.4-yard average. Depending on the results of his COVID-19 tests, his availability for Sunday is also unclear. 

If Chubb and Felton are both ruled out ahead of their matchup against the Patriots, D’Ernest Johnson will be the only available running back for the Browns. He most recently had an explosive performance during a 17-14 win over the Broncos and totaled 146 rushing yards with a touchdown on 22 carries. Although he is a close contact with Chubb and Felton, Johnson’s COVID-19 test was negative on Tuesday. 

The Browns are scheduled to face the Patriots at Gillette Stadium at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. If both Chubb and Felton produce negative COVID-19 tests by Saturday, they will be cleared to participate for the Week 10 matchup. 

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