Kareem Hunt returned to practice this week after dealing with an ankle injury. What is his status ahead of the Cleveland Browns’ Monday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers? Can Hunt be trusted in fantasy football?
For more Monday Night Football injury news, make sure to visit our Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report.
Update 01/03/22: The Cleveland Browns officially announced that RB Kareem Hunt will be inactive for their game against the Steelers.
Is Kareem Hunt playing tonight vs. the Steelers?
Currently, Hunt is listed as questionable for tonight’s game and will be a game-time decision. He returned to practice on Friday and has had two days of light practice. Hunt’s ankle injury is not quite back to 100%. We’ll see how the issue transpires and will update this article with any new information.
Other Browns battling injuries include rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who returned to full practice this week. Veteran safety John Johnson III has been out all week and will be sidelined for tonight’s game, while star Myles Garrett returned to a full participation on Saturday.
Hunt’s 2021 production
Hunt started the season extremely well, contributing 5 touchdowns in the first five games of the year — but he hasn’t scored since. He has struggled to get on the field, playing in only two games since Week 6 and carrying the football only 9 times for a total of 25 yards.
[the_ad_group id=”61550″]
Hunt suffered a calf strain against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. He was subsequently placed on IR and missed five games as a result. While he returned in time for back-to-back games against the Ravens, Hunt then suffered the ankle injury that he is now trying to fight his way back from.
Hunt’s Week 17 fantasy outlook
Hunt is one of the most peculiar running backs in fantasy football because of his unique situation. He might be the best backup RB in the league, but can he really be described as such?
Over the first six weeks of the season (when he was fully healthy), Hunt was on the field for 49% of the Browns’ offensive snaps. He was averaging over 5.3 yards per carry while contributing in the passing game. Hunt had 24 targets through those six contests.
The fact that he plays behind/alongside Nick Chubb shouldn’t really be a reason not to have Hunt on your fantasy team. I like Hunt in fantasy — you can get him late, and you can get him cheap. Plus, there is always the possibility he moves back into a starting role with another franchise.
While the fantasy season might be coming to a close, I’d be thinking about trying to get Hunt in dynasty leagues while his value is at one of its lowest points.
