Browns star RB Nick Chubb ruled out for Week 10 vs. Patriots

It was reported on Tuesday that both Chubb and fellow running back Demetric Felton tested positive for COVID-19, putting their availability for Week 10 against the New England Patriots in doubt. Even though Chubb is vaccinated against the virus, he was facing an uphill climb, as he would've needed to produce two negative tests 24 hours apart to play.

The Tuesday news came just one day after another running back — John Kelly — was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list, and with Kareem Hunt currently on injured reserve, it left third-year back D'Ernest Johnson as the only healthy running back on the active roster. In the Browns' 17-14 "Thursday Night Football" win over the Denver Broncos in Week 7 on Oct. 21, Johnson had a career night in place of Chubb.

In that game, Johnson picked up 146 rushing yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, while adding two receptions on two targets for 22 yards as well. With Chubb back on the field, though, Johnson has reverted to a backup role and has had just 12 carries for 38 yards and one touchdown over the last two games.

The Patriots host the Browns at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.