Despite a positive COVID-19 test result within the Cleveland Browns, the Houston Texans remain on track to fly out to Northeast Ohio and face the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Houston won't have at least two key offensive figures in the lineup.
As Sarah Barshop noted for ESPN, Houston lead running back David Johnson won't play against the Browns because of the concussion that he suffered in last weekend's 27-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnson hadn't practiced throughout the week and was doubtful for the contest as far back as Wednesday.
Johnson leads the Texans with 408 rushing yards, 103 attempts and three rushing touchdowns. Duke Johnson, a third-round pick of the Browns during the 2015 NFL Draft who spent his first four pro seasons with Cleveland, will serve as Houston's starting ball-carrier this Sunday.
Duke Johnson tallied 41 rushing yards with a score on 16 carries in the victory over Jacksonville. He also contributed four receptions for 32 yards.
Additionally, Houston left guard Senio Kelemete won't play because of a concussion. Defensive end Charles Omenihu hasn't practiced all week due to a hamstring injury and is officially questionable.
Meanwhile, the Browns still expect Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb will return to the field for the first time since he suffered an MCL sprain in a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 4.
#Browns Stefanski said Nick Chubb hit all of his benchmarks this week and didn’t have any setbacks but “we’ll do what’s best for Nick and what’s best for the Browns.”
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 13, 2020
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