The Cleveland Browns want to forget that last week ever happened.
They marched into New England for a potential playoff preview against the Patriots, only to get stomped and embarrassed by a final score of 45-7.
Mac Jones looked like Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield looked like the rookie.
One fair note to make is that the Browns offense was without both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
The latter remains out with a calf injury, while the former was on the COVID list.
The Browns offense is never going to flow well without one of the two, and Chubb especially is a major key to success.
In a stroke of good news, he is reportedly on track to play this weekend.
Browns officially activated RB Nick Chubb off their Reserve-Covid list; he’s on track to play Sunday vs. Lions.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 19, 2021
The Detroit Lions are not exactly a tough opponent, but the Cleveland offense needs all the help it can get.
Finally Getting Chubb Back
Chubb has only played in seven games this season and is still third in the NFL in rushing yards with 721.
His last performance two weeks ago saw him rush 14 times for 137 yards and two touchdowns.
He is nearly impossible to stop and the Browns offense flows through him.
The unit is still being guided by an injured Mayfield, who was clearly not playing at a full capacity last week.
If there was any doubt out there, coach Kevin Stefanski confirms that #Browns QB Baker Mayfield WILL start Sunday vs. Lions
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 19, 2021
That means head coach Kevin Stefanski can rely on Chubb Sunday against the Lions and just wear down the Detroit defense for what should be an easy win.
The Browns cannot afford to drop a game to the Lions.
They are 5-5 on the season and still have legitimate playoff hopes in mind.
Getting Chubb back, only to lose, would signal that 2021 is just not their year.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Continues To Get Banged Up In 2021