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.

Ford (ankle) has been placed on IR by the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

Ford already was ruled out for the 3-13 Browns' season finale, so his placement on IR creates a roster spot for the team heading into Week 18. In 14 contests this season, he carried 104 times for 565 yards and three TDs and caught 37 of his 43 targets for 225 yards. Ford remains under contract with Cleveland in 2025, though the running back's role next season is to be determined and hinges on the moves the team makes this offseason to bolster its backfield.

Ford (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Ravens.

EDGE Analysis

With Pierre Strong (concussion) also sidelined, D'Onta Foreman is likely to operate as Cleveland's lead back in the season finale, with John Kelly on hand as a depth option. Ford will finish the 2024 campaign with 104 carries for 565 yards and three touchdowns to go with 37 catches for 225 yards on 43 targets over 14 games.

Ford (ankle) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford has yet to practice this week, so the running back is looking pretty iffy for Saturday's season finale against the Ravens. If Ford ends up sidelined this weekend, D'Onta Foreman likely would be next in line for carries Week 18, with Pierre Strong (concussion) -- if he's available -- and John Kelly also candidates to mix in. Additionally, the Browns have RBs Aidan Robbins and Jacob Kibodi on their practice squad.

Ford (ankle) isn't taking part in practice Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford was deemed a non-participant for Tuesday's walk-through practice, and his continued absence Wednesday makes Thursday's session a critical one in determining his chances of playing Saturday against the Ravens. If Ford is out this weekend or available in only a limited capacity, D'Onta Foreman would likely be next in line for carries, with Pierre Strong (concussion) -- if available -- and John Kelly also in the mix.

Ford (ankle) was estimated as a non-participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ford didn't take the field to begin Week 18 prep after he was forced out of this past Sunday's 20-3 loss to the Dolphins in the second quarter with the ankle injury. With both Ford and Pierre Strong (concussion) -- who was also a non-participant Tuesday -- banged up to begin Week 18 prep, the Browns signed John Kelly to their 53-man roster to provide another healthy option in the backfield along with D'Onta Foreman. The Browns could be relying heavily on Foreman to lead the ground attack in Saturday's season finale versus the Ravens if Ford is unable to play and if Strong can't clear the five-step concussion protocol before the weekend.

Ford rushed six times for 22 yards with no targets as a receiver in Sunday's 20-3 loss to the Dolphins. He left the game due to an ankle injury in the second quarter, and though he returned in the third period, he logged only one more snap.

EDGE Analysis

Ford failed to replicate last week's sterling starting performance against a tougher defensive opponent, though that may have largely been due to an ankle injury he suffered in the second quarter. The third-year back's final carry came with just over six minutes remaining before halftime -- he was injured on that play and was deemed questionable to return shortly thereafter. Though Ford did re-enter the game near the start of the third quarter, he played only one more snap. As a result, veteran back D'Onta Foreman received 13 carries for 49 yards in Sunday's loss. If he's able to suit up in Week 18, Ford would likely remain in line to serve as one of the top rushing options for the 3-13 Browns with Nick Chubb (foot) sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. However, if the ankle issue proves too much for the 25-year-old to overcome, Foreman could get the start against a tough Ravens run defense.

Ford rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Bengals. He also caught all five of his targets for 39 yards and returned three kickoffs for 62 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Ford replaced Nick Chubb (foot) as the lead back and broke off a 66-yard run on the game's opening play from scrimmage before scoring a touchdown in the third quarter. Other than the long run, Ford was held to 26 yards on 10 carries, but he was part of the offense's best rushing effort of the season on the heels of the backfield's 139-yard output last week, when Ford had a 62-yard touchdown scamper. While the roster is expected to undergo significant churn during the offseason, Ford will likely return as the lead back in 2025.