Jerome Ford

Ford led the backfield in offensive snaps (32) and yards from scrimmage (64) but received only the second-most intended touches among Browns RBs and was not on-field for the Browns' first offensive snap. Ford's biggest play was a 36-yard rushing gain thanks to a sneaky setup from HC Kevin Stefanski. Backup QB Jameis Winston was subbed in for a successful short-distance QB sneak conversion early in the game. He was brought in again on fourth-and-inches but this time handed off to Ford, who picked up the explosive gain. Ford is a shaky flex option against the Giants in Week 3, playing in a potentially reduced role.

Browns RB Pierre Strong was knocked out of Sunday's game vs. the Jaguars with a hamstring injury. He was operating as Cleveland No. 3 RB behind Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman. Hopefully this one isn't impacting your Week 2 fantasy lineups.

The Browns' offensive struggles in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys didn't help RB Jerome Ford, but he salvaged a nice fantasy line with a rushing TD and good receiving volume. Ford scored from 2 yards out with just 29 seconds left amid a 12-44 rushing day. He added a team-high 6 receptions for 25 yards on 7 targets, third-most on the team.

No other Cleveland back saw more than two carries on the day. Ford operated as the clear No. 1 backfield option and benefited from four quarters of negative game script as the main pass catcher out of the backfield. Jerry Jeudy and Amari Cooper were the only Browns players who out-targeted Ford on the day. He should regularly be in the 15-20 touch range for as long as Nick Chubb (knee) is on the PUP list. He'll face a middling Jaguars defense in Week 2.

The report helpfully affirms prior fantasy market assumptions about Ford's likely role. The Browns' Weeks 1-4 schedule includes the Cowboys, Jaguars, Giants and Raiders. Ford's access to high-volume touch counts helps keep him RB2/3-viable against these stacked defensive fronts. Russo also lists veteran D'Onta Foreman in the No. 2 running back spot, having "[demonstrated during] his two preseason games how he can catch out of the backfield and be utilized as a power back, having success in short yardage situations."