BREAKING NEWS : Kevin Stefanski Reveals Reason For Jerome Ford’s Absence From Training Camp

Veteran players frequently have genuine reasons for missing scheduled team exercises, yet coaches may choose not to reveal the true cause.

That is not the case for Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Running back Jerome Ford missed the first three days of the Browns’ training camp before returning on Monday, the first day of padded practice.

Insider Mary Kay Cabot revealed on Twitter Stefanski’s explanation for Ford’s absence: he brought a “bundle of joy” into the world last week.

Ford kept his secret under wraps – or blankets, in this case – by missing the first three days of practice at The Greenbrier in West Virginia.

The running back is expected to start for Cleveland’s offense this season as Nick Chubb works his way back into game fitness. Last year, Ford was a suitable replacement for Chubb, starting 12 games in his absence.

Ford started 12 games last season, totaling 813 running yards on 204 attempts and four touchdowns, as well as 44 receptions for 319 yards and five scores.

This season, the 24-year-old runner will have competition for the starting spot until Chubb returns.

Cleveland signed D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines in the offseason to supplement the running

Back room.

The Browns envision Hines as a special teams specialist and receiving option out of the backfield, while Foreman is expected to replace Kareem Hunt’s position from last year with short-yardage carries.