Browns designate RB Kareem Hunt, OL Jack Conklin to return from IR

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that he was "hopeful" that both Hunt and Conklin would suit up for the team's Week 12 "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. That is now a possibility, as both player's new status now opens up a 21-day window for them to be activated to the active roster.

Cleveland is currently in last place in the AFC North at 6-5, but is only percentage points behind the 5-4-1 Pittsburgh Steelers, who are in third place. The Cincinnati Bengals -- who play the Steelers on Sunday -- are in second at 6-4, while the Ravens are sitting atop the division at 7-3.

If the Browns defeat the Ravens on Sunday and the Steelers beat the Bengals, then Cleveland would move into third place and trail Pittsburgh by percentage points and Baltimore by only half a game.

The Browns have had to deal with an exorbitant amount of injuries and COVID-19 issues to key players this season, including running back Nick Chubb, as well as the dramatic departure of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Earlier this week, some controversy surrounding quarterback Baker Mayfield surfaced as well.

Conklin hasn't played since the team's Week 8 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an elbow injury, but when active, the two-time First-Team All-Pro helps the already-potent Cleveland rushing attack become that much more lethal. Hunt has missed the Browns' last five games with a calf injury, but through six games played this season, the 26-year-old ranks second to Chubb on the team in rushing attempts (69), rushing yards (361) and rushing touchdowns (five).