Ford (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The Browns now have a 21-day window to either activate Ford or leave him on IR for the remainder of the season. The running back has been out since suffering a left ankle injury in Week 4 versus the Falcons and would likely slide back into a prominent role as a return specialist for Cleveland once healthy.

The Browns placed Ford (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ford suffered the left ankle injury during the team's Week 4 loss to the Falcons and will be sidelined for at least four additional games. The rookie fifth-round pick played exclusively on special teams through the first four games of the season, returning six kickoffs for 145 yards. In his absence, D'Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton are the most likely candidates to take over as the Browns' primary kick returner.

Ford (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford has played exclusively on special teams over the first three weeks of the season, netting 111 kick return yards over this span. With the rookie temporary sidelined, D'Ernest Johnson will take over the Browns' primary kick return duties.

Ford did not play on offense and returned one kickoff for 15 yards in Thursday's 29-17 win over the Steelers.

EDGE Analysis

Ford has been the Browns' primary returner of kickoffs through three weeks but has yet to get a snap on offense.

Ford returned two kickoffs for 67 yards in Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Jets in Week 2.

EDGE Analysis

Ford has been active the first two weeks but has yet to play on offense. There isn't a need as long as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are healthy. Ford has returned three kickoffs for an average of 32 yards per return, which ranks third in the league and first among players with more than one attempt.

Ford returned one kickoff for 22 yards in Saturday's preseason finale against the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

Ford did not play a snap on offense, suggesting the Browns have seen enough of the fifth-round draft pick, who was impressive over the first two preseason games. He's an apparent lock to earn a spot at running back, but with a such a crowded position, the Browns could be looking at the rookie as a returner. Jakeem Grant, a wide receiver signed to be the primary returner for punts and kickoffs, suffered an Achilles injury and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season. In addition to Ford's usage Saturday, Ja'Marcus Bradley and Mike Harley filled return roles during preseason action.

Ford had nine carries for 31 yards and caught four of four targets for 26 yards in Sunday's preseason game against the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

Like in last week's opener, Ford showed off his skill as receiver. The rookie fifth-round pick has eight catches on nine targets for 71 yards through two preseason games. Ford wasn't used much as a pass catcher at the University of Cincinnati, hauling in just 31 balls over three seasons for the Bearcats, but the Browns unearthed those skills during offseason training activities, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. "Since we've gotten him on campus, he's done a very nice job in the pass game. He catches it, runs good routes. That is an element of his game," Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Ford is locked as the fourth running back, but he's shown enough thus far to hint at a larger role later in the regular season.

Ford had 10 carries for 57 yards, caught four of five targets for 45 yards and scored touchdowns as a runner and receiver in Friday's preseason win over the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

A nice start for Ford, a fifth-round draft pick in 2022, who showed off his versatility as a runner and receiver. The Browns clearly have a lot of faith in him, but Ford faces a a crowded backfield in front of him. His selection was more about 2023 and beyond, but the University of Cincinnati product could have a role this season if the Browns are eventually forced to trade a running back, like Kareem Hunt or D'Ernest Johnson.