The backup running back role is more important in Cleveland than it is in most spots across the NFL.

Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr. filled in for Chubb as best as they could last season, but only Ford got over the 500-yard mark.

Ford, who had 813 rushing yards and four scores in 2023, should receive every opportunity to solidify the No. 2 role behind Chubb.

However, he faces more competition for that spot compared to last season. D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines were both brought in this offseason.

Foreman has been a solid No. 2 in three different stops over the last three years, while Hines’ impact would be felt most in the passing game.

Ford caught 44 passes on 63 targets last season, so if keeps up that efficiency in preseason, he should beat out Hines and Foreman as the No. 2 back who can do it all.

Foreman and Hines’ performances may be important to the Browns as well, though, especially if Chubb struggles to get going in September.

Cleveland may need two backups to help the offense get through the first month while Chubb works his way back to 100 percent in-game fitness.