Kareem Hunt is one step closer to returning to the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns running back has been cleared to practice with the team.
Kareem Hunt has been cleared to practice with the team
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— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 21, 2019
“Not really caught off guard,” head coach Freddie Kitchens said. “We were happy to get him back.”
Hunt still has to sit out two more games to fulfill the eight game suspension handed down by commissioner Roger Goodell during the offseason.
The Browns running back is on suspension for his part in an incident in February 2018. Hunt is seen on surveillance hitting a woman inside a Cleveland hotel. The video was released by TMZ in November 2018. As a result, Hunt was released by his former team the Kansas City Chiefs.
Browns general manager John Dorsey signed the free agent Hunt in February amid criticism. Dorsey drafted Hunt in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft while with Kansas City.
Hunt also had successful groin surgery at the end of the preseason. The eight game suspension provided the necessary recovery time needed. The Browns can activate Hunt of the NFL suspension list on November 4. The first game action Hunt can appear in is the week ten matchup against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Dorsey was asked about a status update on Hunt during the teams bye week last week.
“It is my understanding that he is doing really well,” Dorsey said. “I think he is ahead of schedule in terms of his rehabilitation. In a couple of weeks here, he is going to be back and I can’t wait to see him.”
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Look who’s back. Kareem Hunt practicing with #Browns. NFL informed team he could return from 8-game suspension. Still can’t play until Nov. 10. pic.twitter.com/64PAotiYlR
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) October 21, 2019
So how does Hunt look after his first practice back since training camp?
“Very pleased. I thought he looked good,” Kitchens said. “He looks like he is in good shape. He moved around good. It is always good to get good players back. I think Kareem had a good spring, a good training camp. He went out with an injury in training camp so any reps he gets is good For the most part, it is just good to have him back in the building, getting him back and continuing to support him in every way possible as a player and as a person.”
“It was really cool,” guard Joel Bitonio said. “I know he has tried to work his tail off to get back and be healthy for us. Now I know he is a couple of weeks where he is going to figure it out, but it was cool. He did most of the scout team stuff today, and he had some good runs and some nice cuts. It was really just good to see him back out there and working.”
Hunt is expected to serve as a backup to Nick Chubb. Kitchens could use both running backs in a two back formation or split one out as a receiver. It will be interesting to see how Hunt is used in the offense starting November 10.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
