Cleveland Browns: 7 Browns on roster bubble ahead of Buccaneers game

1. D’Ernest Johnson

With Kareem Hunt out for the first eight games of the regular season, there is a path for D’Ernest Johnson to make the 53-man squad.

He’s way ahead of Trayone Gray and Austin Oullette on the depth chart, making him the third back behind Nick Chubb and Dontrell Hilliard.

Johson’s stock took took a jump against the Colts in preseason Week 2 as he rushed the ball productively, in addition to catching a touchdown pass.

The little things also tilt in Johson’s favor. He helps more on special teams than just being a return guy, and on passing down, he’s will to get out there and throw some blocks.

If Hunt was eligible, Johnson would probably be on the outside looking in. But Hunt’s suspension opens a door for

Prediction: Johnson makes the team as the third back behind Nick Chubb and Dontrell Hilliard. Joe Kerridge makes the squad, too, as the team’s only fullback.

Once Hunt returns, though, all bets are off. But that’s along time a way and a roster change dramatically between now and then.