How long will Kareem Hunt be out? Injury schedule, return date, latest updates from Browns RB

The Browns will look to running back production Thursday night.

Kareem Hunt, the middle of Cleveland’s 1-2 punch in the backfield, is out for quite some time after sustaining a calf injury in a Week 6 matchup against the Cardinals. Late in the game, Hunt snuck out of the backfield to run a route, but instead hit the grass with a non-contact injury.

Hunt was soon transported to the locker room after visiting the blue medical tent along the Browns sideline, further increasing the anxiety of Browns fans (and fantasy owners) across the country.

Fortunately for Hunt, the worst case scenario did not come to pass, as the runner did not injure the Achilles tendon as was initially feared and speculated. Instead, he is expected to miss several divisional matchups as he recovers from injury.

Here’s the latest on Hunt’s injury and when you can expect to see him return for the Browns.

How long will Kareem Hunt be out?

On Tuesday, October 18, the Browns placed the running back in the Injured Reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next three games while he recovers from a calf injury.

The Browns are scheduled to face the Broncos in Week 7 (“Thursday Night Football”) followed by division rival Steelers in Week 8 at home and the Bengals in Week 9. If Hunt’s recovery and rehab go well , you will be eligible to exit IR. the week of the Patriots’ showdown at Foxborough in Week 10.

However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Hunt could be out for four to six weeks while he recovers from the stress. That could put Hunt’s timeline anywhere from the Lions’ showdown in Week 11, the Ravens’ game in Week 12, or after the Browns’ Week 13 Bye Week. That would put Hunt’s potential comeback at home against the Ravens in Week 14, if the full six weeks are needed.

What is Kareem Hunt injury?

Hunt is dealing with a right calf strain suffered during the Browns’ 34-17 loss to the Cardinals in Week 6. In the final quarter of the game, Hunt slipped out of the backfield as a checkdown option for Baker Mayfield, before of hitting the grass with a non-contact injury.

Hunt immediately grabbed his right Achilles area, leading to speculation that he ruptured the tendon in his right leg. He was finally pulled after leaving the medical tent on the Cleveland sideline.

After the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski reaffirmed that Hunt did not tear his Achilles tendon and instead suffered a calf injury. Stefanski also said that an MRI on Monday would further determine the severity of the calf strain.

On Tuesday, the Browns would place Hunt on IR, keeping him out for at least the next three games.

Timeline of Kareem Hunt’s injury

October the 17th: In the fourth quarter of a Week 6 showdown between the Browns and Cardinals, the Cleveland running back hits the grass and grabs his lower right leg. A torn Achilles tendon was initially feared by fans and analysts alike, but after the game, Kevin Stefanski said his Achilles tendon was intact and instead suffered a serious calf injury.

October 18: Hunt undergoes an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports later that Hunt would be out for a minimum of three weeks while he recovers from the injury.

Later in the day, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport adds that the injury is a bit more serious and would be on the shelf for about four to six weeks, leaving the Browns without half their running back tandem.

October 19: The Browns officially place Hunt on Injured Reserve. That leaves it on the shelf for a minimum of three weeks, although reports indicate that Hunt could miss four to six weeks while he recovers.