Ford will remain the Browns' top kick returner in 2023, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford, who was Cleveland's primary returner on kickoffs last year, will retain those duties even though his role on offense will expand as the No. 2 running back behind Nick Chubb. Cleveland running backs coach Stump Mitchell is confident Ford can step in as the top backup, a role handled by Kareem Hunt the last four seasons, noting Ford's strong work this spring on pass protection.

Ford was the first running back in full team drills Wednesday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Top back Nick Chubb was notably absent from the voluntary OTA program, so Ford moved into the lead role for the practice. He impressed decision-makers as a rookie and appears headed for a larger role behind Chubb in 2023.

Ford figures to start offseason practices as Cleveland's No. 2 running back, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford played 14 snaps on offense and 145 on special teams as a rookie last year, taking eight carries for 12 yards and 30 kick returns for 723 yards. He's now in a much better position to earn RB reps, as the Browns lost third-stringer D'Ernest Johnson to Jacksonville and seemingly don't plan to re-sign second-stringer Kareem Hunt. The other players behind Nick Chubb as of mid-May are Demetric Felton, John Kelly, Nate McCrary and UDFA rookie Hassan Hall -- a group with 40 combined NFL carries. Ford, a 2022 fifth-round pick, is the youngest of the bunch and also the only one drafted before the sixth round. His performance over the first two weeks of the 2022 preseason -- 19 carries for 89 yards and a TD plus eight catches for 71 yards and another score -- likely was a big factor in Cleveland carrying four RBs for most of last season and then focusing on other positions this offseason. Of course, there's still time to sign a veteran for training camp if the Browns lose some of their confidence in Ford or deal with injuries in the backfield.

Ford returned five kickoffs for 93 yards and did not play on offense in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Steelers in Week 18.

EDGE Analysis

Ford, who had a season-high five carries last week, was not used as a running back Sunday. Instead, the Browns went with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, much as they did all season. Hunt and fellow back D'Ernest Johnson are in the final year of contracts expected to hit the open market in March. Ford appears poised to become the top backup to Chubb next season.

Ford had a season-high five carries for nine yards and returned one kickoff for 23 yards in Sunday's 24-10 win over Washington in Week 17.

EDGE Analysis

Ford played a season-high seven snaps on offense as the Browns, whose postseason chances were eliminated last week, begin preparations for 2023. The rookie had more touches than Kareem Hunt (two carries, one catch), who is in the final year of his contact. Also notable is that D'Ernest Johnson, in the final year of his deal, did not play at all on offense. Barring an offseason addition in the draft, Ford appears on track to be Nick Chubb's top backup next season.

Ford had three carries for three yards and returned three kickoffs for 48 yards in Sunday's 27-14 win over the Texans.

EDGE Analysis

Ford had appeared in games as a special teams player only until Sunday, when he played seven snaps on offense and was given his first touches as a running back. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt healthy, there isn't much need for a third back. However, it was interesting to see Ford get snaps over D'Ernest Johnson.

Ford returned to two kickoffs for 67 yards in Sunday's 23-17 overtime win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Ford continues to provide value as a kickoff returner, but the rookie has yet to play a snap on offense through seven contests. That's unlikely to change as long as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are healthy, or possibly if the Browns' playoff chances are scuttled. Ford's 27.4 average kickoff return is tied for tops in the NFL for players with at least 10 returns.

Ford returned two kickoffs for 49 yards in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Bills in Week 11.

EDGE Analysis

Ford has been valuable on special teams, averaging 26.3 yards per return -- third among players with at least 10 returns. Once again, Demetric Felton was inactive, so Ford appears to have that role locked up.

Ford returned three kickoffs for 95 yards and did not play on offense in Sunday's 39-17 loss to the Dolphins.

EDGE Analysis

Ford, who missed the bare minimum of four games on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, was activated over the weekend and made an immediate impact with a 48-yard return on Sunday's opening kickoff. While there will be little chance of him getting elevated to a prominent backfield role unless the Browns experience multiple injuries up the depth chart, he should serve as the top kickoff returner. Ford may also be the top punt returner, too, but the Dolphins never had to punt Sunday.

Cleveland activated Ford (ankle) from its injured reserve list Saturday ahead of Sunday's game at Miami, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

After sitting out the Browns' last four games, Ford appears to have fully recovered from the ankle injury he sustained in Week 4 versus Atlanta. The fifth-round rookie will likely resume his role as Cleveland's primary kick returner in Week 10.