Jerome Ford injury update: Latest on Browns RB's status for Week 18 vs Ravens

On Saturday, Jerome Ford and the Cleveland Browns will end their dismal and disappointing 2024 campaign with a trip to M&T Bank Stadium where they take on AFC North leaders Baltimore Ravens. While the visitors have nothing to play for, the Ravens need a win to seal the division title win and the No. 3 seed in the conference.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be watching the game keenly and rooting for the Browns, as a victory for Cleveland will open the door for them to win the division with a win over Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure in the second game on Saturday.

For the Browns to secure an upset win over the Ravens on Sunday, they will have to have a stellar day on the ground. However, they will have to do it without Jerome Ford.

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Jerome Ford injury update: Will Browns RB play in Week 18 vs. Ravens

The running back suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter of the Browns' 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 after linebacker Blake Robinson landed on it during an attempt to tackle him to the floor. He left the game and didn't return.

According to the Browns' injury report, Ford didn't practice throughout the week and won't feature in his team's season finale against the Ravens.

It's a massive blow to the Browns' running game, who were already playing without Nick Chubb after the star running back had suffered a foot fracture in his team's 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15.

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Who is Jerome Ford's backup?

With Jerome Ford out, the onus will be on D'Onta Foreman to lead the Browns' rushing unit against the Ravens on Saturday.

The veteran running back has played 10 games this season. He has 61 carries for 205 yards but is yet to find the endzone. He will have the opportunity to break the duck on Saturday in Baltimore.

The Browns also signed former Ravens running back John Kelly Jr. off the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad to be Ford's deputy in the final game of the season.

He featured in two games for Baltimore this season but didn't play an offensive snap. He was assigned to the special teams and was put on kick-return duties. It's a revenge game for the 28-year-old, but his playing time will likely be limited to a few snaps while Foreman takes a breather on the sideline.