AP Photo/Matt Durisko
Things turned dark when the Cleveland Browns lost star running back Nick Chubb to a serious knee injury in the first half of their Monday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, Jerome Ford’s second-year return was a bright spot for Cleveland in a 26-22 loss that dropped the team to 1-1 this season. Ford rushed for 106 yards on 16 carries, including a 69-yard burst that helped set up a touchdown in the third quarter.
Ford would have found the end zone himself if not for a chase-down tackle by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Browns were in control until Deshaun Watson lost a fumble in the fourth quarter that was picked up and returned by Steelers star TJ Watt for the go-ahead touchdown.
Still, Ford did enough to earn praise from fans online, despite the loss:
B/R Gridiron @brgridiron
Jerome Ford when he woke up today pic.twitter.com/p80ExFsDHM
Colin Cowherd @Colin the cowherd
Damn. Jerome Ford. What an effort. #Browns
John G. @jaygee614
Next man up..Ballrr si Jerome Ford!! #Browns
The Browns will likely reassess their situation once it is determined how much time Chubb will miss. Still, it’s clear the team has a capable ball carrier in Ford, who has 48 career rushing yards entering Monday’s game.
Ford will get another opportunity to showcase his skills when Cleveland returns to action in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans.
