Demetric

Felton

Felton was left off the Browns’ 53-man roster after the team went out and acquired Pierre Strong from the Patriots last week. Now, the versatile running back and return man will get a chance to earn his way onto the Bengals roster as a member of their practice squad. Through two seasons, Felton has totaled 20 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns and has another eight carries for 20 yards on the ground.

Felton’s days felt numbered after the Browns went out and traded for Pierre Strong last week. Felton was a game-day inactive in a handful of games last season and entered training camp already on the roster bubble. In addition to Felton, the Browns also released/waived CB Lorenzo Burns, WR Jaelon Darden, RB Hassan Hall, WR Mike Harley Jr., DE Sam Kamara, DE Jeremiah Martin, S Tanner McAlister, TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden, QB Kellen Mond, DE Lonnie Phelps, LB Charlie Thomas III, DE Isaiah Thomas, DT Tommy Togiai, WR Austin Watkins, K Cade York, G Michael Dunn, DT Trysten Hill, DT Maurice Hurst II, RB John Kelly Jr.

Ford won’t practice with the team this week as he continues to work his way back from an injury that sidelined him nearly two weeks ago. Still, Stefanski remains optimistic that his RB2 will be ready to go when the games count on September 10th. If Ford is unable to go, it’s possible Demetric Felton could see some work on third downs during his absence.

The Browns’ Week 17 inactives feature a familiar cast of characters. The only player to enter the week with a questionable tag was EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, who will suit up for this week’s matchup after clearing concussion protocol.

The Browns will have their main starters on offense healthy for the game. Felton has fallen down the depth chart and won’t be needed for this tilt with the Buccaneers.

After being selected in the sixth round as a hybrid RB/WR, Felton didn’t seem likely to have much of a first-year impact on a crowded roster. And Felton ultimately wasn’t fantasy-relevant as a rookie. However, Felton did total 181 receiving yards and it’s possible he sees an expanded role in year two. Felton is an end of the roster dynasty stash for now, but he could graduate to a late-round redraft dart throw depending on how the Browns’ offseason plays out.

Felton, with 13 catches on 14 targets this season, isn’t a fantasy factor unless both Kareem Hunt and Nck Chubb are sidelined. Hunt will miss Week 11 with a calf injury but Chubb is expected to resume his workhorse duties after missing Week 10 with COVID-19. Felton should remain on waiver wires.

The same is true for C Nick Harris. It has been taken for granted that Chubb will be active and starting against the Lions, but he has yet to officially be activated from the reserve list. That has to happen by Saturday afternoon or he can’t play. We fully expect Chubb to be returned to the 53-man roster and operate as a top-shelf RB1 as an 11.5-point home favorite against the most talent-less team in the league.

With Chubb out this week, Felton would likely have backed up D’Ernest Johnson if healthy. John Kelly is also out with Covid, so D’Ernest Johnson’s backup is unclear. What is not unclear is that Johnson will have a huge workload against the Patriots. He is a locked-in RB1.

It’s a nightmare scenario for the Browns and Chubb drafters. Chubb, who is vaccinated against COVID-19, will need two negative tests 24 hours apart if he’s going to play in Week 10 against New England. D’Ernest Johnson would slot in as Cleveland’s lead back if Chubb were to miss the game. Johnson impressed in Week 7 against the Broncos, running for 146 yards and a score in a dominant performance. He would be a borderline RB1 if Chubb is sidelined.