Nick Chubb Tested Positive For COVID-19: What Next?

On Tuesday afternoon, Browns running backs Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton tested positive for COVID-19. Practice squad running back John Kelly also tested positive.

With the availability of both players in question for Sunday's matchup against New England, here are a few options.

Sign a Free Agent

The Browns have to be thankful that Chubb and Felton are both vaccinated. NFL rules state that they could return to action as long as they produce two negative tests 24 hours apart from each other.

With that uncertainty looming before a big game on Sunday, the Browns should get a running back to Berea today.

Kerryon Johnson fits the offense nicely, and he's only 24 years old.

If they wanted to go an older route, perhaps they could go after T.J. Yeldon (28), Alfred Morris (33), or Todd Gurley (27). There's really not an exciting option.

Perhaps, they could pry away Frank Gore, who is 38 and just agreed to fight former Cavaliers guard Deron Williams on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury in Tampa Bay next month.

Go Full Fullback

The Browns employ two fullbacks, Andy Janovich and Johnny Stanton IV. Stanton saw action as a ball carrier during the preseason, and is currently stashed on the practice squad.

If the Browns don't find a veteran option they like, they could utilize D'Ernest Johnson with Stanton and Janovich and simply make what they already have work.

In Minnesota, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski loved utilizing the fullback and used C.J. Ham very frequently. Perhaps Sunday in New England could be a big fullback game.

Sit Tight

This is the uncomfortable option. 

It's possible that Chubb and Felton could be activated, but the Browns likely would not know that status for sure until Thursday.

While they have the peace of mind of two quality fullbacks, practicing an entire week with just Johnson feels a little uncomfortable.

Right now, the Browns should add a free agent running back to their practice squad ASAP, with the intention on calling them up if Chubb or Felton cannot play. If they can, there's no harm in releasing a veteran from your pracice squad.