Ford carried the ball twice for 14 yards and caught both his targets for five yards in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.

EDGE Analysis

The fourth-year back split the backfield workload with fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson over the Browns' first two drives, before Sampson checked out and was replaced by Pierre Strong. Ford himself then gave way to Ahmani Marshall to begin the second quarter. Ford and Sampson figure to share touches to begin the regular season as well, but how snaps are actually divided between the two, and in what situations, remains to be seen. Quinshon Judkins, a second-round pick in 2025 who has yet to sign a contract with Cleveland due to off-field issues, remains a wild card but could be added to the backfield later in the year.

Ford is among the key Cleveland players not slated to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The same applies to fellow RB Dylan Sampson, QBs Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett (hamstring), Shedeur Sanders (oblique), WR Jerry Jeudy, as well as TEs David Njoku and Harold Fannin. With 2025 second-rounder Quinshon Judkins still unsigned, Ford remains in a position to continue handling a key role in the Browns' backfield, and his next chance to see game action will arrive Aug. 23 against the Rams.

Ford is among the Browns not in line to play in Friday's preseason opener against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Other key non-injured Cleveland skill players not slated to see action Friday are QB Joe Flacco, RB Pierre Strong, WRs Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, as well as TE David Njoku. With the status of unsigned rookie second-rounder Quinshon Judkins still unclear, Ford currently profiles as the Browns' top back, with Strong and Dylan Sampson also in the mix for touches out of the gate this season. As for Friday night's contest, Sampson, Trayveon Williams, Ahmani Marshall and Toa Taua are available to handle backfield touches.

Ford (undisclosed) took part in team drills during Wednesday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford resumed practicing Monday in what head coach Kevin Stefanski described as a "limited capacity," but he now appears to be fully recovered from the undisclosed injury he dealt with for roughly one week. After accepting a pay cut to remain with Cleveland earlier this offseason, Ford now finds himself facing significant backfield opportunities, as rookie second-round pick Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned amid legal issues. In the meantime, Ford and rookie fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson figure to split the majority of first-team snaps, with veteran Pierre Strong and UDFA Ahmani Marshall also battling for reps.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Ford (undisclosed) is returning to practice in a "limited capacity" this week, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford missed the first handful of practices with an injury that still hasn't been specified. Fellow running back Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned amid legal problems, leaving fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson and veteran Pierre Strong as the immediate competition for first-team snaps. Ford figures to jump in atop the depth chart soon enough.

Ford (undisclosed) worked out with the athletic training staff Friday and is getting closer to practicing, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has been consistently optimistic that Ford's absence at the start of training camp won't last long. With rookie second-round pick Quinshon Judkins unsigned and facing legal problems, the Browns are left with only fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson, Pierre Strong and UDFA Ahmani Marshall as the available running backs for the opening days of training camp. Ford likely will be the leader of the group once he's ready to return from his unspecified injury.

Ford (undisclosed) will remain sidelined during Thursday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Zac Jackson of The Athletic, coach Kevin Stefanski noted that Ford is "progressing well" from what Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram describes as a minor unspecified injury. Once Ford is able to resume practicing, he'll be on track to work as the Browns' RB1, with 2025 second-rounder Quinshon Judkins remaining unsigned amid legal issues, per Pat McGinnis of Browns Wire.

Ford didn't participate in Wednesday's training camp practice, with Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram noting that the running back appears to be dealing with a minor unspecified injury.

EDGE Analysis

With 2025 second-rounder Quinshon Judkins unsigned amid legal issues, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, Ford's absence further taxes the Browns' running back depth at the onset of training camp. For now, Dylan Sampson, Pierre Strong and Ahmani Marshall are the team's available backfield options, but once Ford is back on the field, he'll profile as the team's RB1, given Judkins' situation, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com notes.

Ford (ankle) agreed to terms Friday on a salary reduction from $3.49 million to a guaranteed $1.75 million for the 2025 season, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford's salary reduction follows the Browns' selection of second-round running back Quinshon Judkins at No. 33 overall in April's draft, in addition to running back Dylan Sampson in the fourth round. Per Kabot, had Ford not agreed to a pay cut he would have been a trade candidate, and Cleveland may have re-signed free agent Nick Chubb (foot). With Ford's spot on the roster now essentially guaranteed, the door appears closed for Chubb to reunite with the Browns, barring damage to the team's depth. Zac Jackson and Lauren Smith of The Athletic report that Ford currently retains his hold on the top spot on the depth chart, but his pay cut is a clear indication the role will be up for grabs if Judkins logs a more impressive offseason.

Ford (ankle) is atop the depth chart at running back, but that could change given the Browns' selection of Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Zac Jackson and Lauren Smith of The Athletic report.

EDGE Analysis

Ford enters the final year of his rookie deal and has been a competent complementary player behind Nick Chubb the last three seasons. Drafting Judkins suggests the team will not bring Chubb back, and the rookie Buckeyes running back is talented enough to earn carries immediately. At the very least, Judkins will be part of the backfield from Day 1 and could take over as the primary back early in the season -- the same path Chubb took to become one of the game's best backs prior to a serious knee injury in 2023. Think of Ford as atop the depth chart with an asterisk.