Nick Chubb

ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi believes the Browns could be run-heavy in the coming weeks.

The possible return of Nick Chubb (knee) in Week 7 against the Bengals could prompt Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski to call a more balanced or run-first offense, Oyefusi said. The team’s shift to the run may have already begun: The Browns in Week 6 against the Eagles were 6 percent below their expected drop back rate. Oyefusi reports that Browns players “said after the game that running the ball, specifically the under-center zone runs that Stefanski has had success with, was a point of emphasis during preparation for Philadelphia.” A run-first approach would help hide struggling QB Deshaun Watson and hide the team’s new deficiencies among its pass catchers after dealing Amari Cooper to Buffalo. Chubb is probably weeks away from seeing a full workload, however.