Cleveland Browns 5 questions to answer in Preseason Week 2

4. Can Hilliard be the backup running back?

As soon as Duke Johnson started to try and force his way out of Cleveland, all eyes shifted to Dontrell Hilliard. Undrafted in 2018 out of Tulane, Hilliard had nine receptions for 105 yards as a rookie — he was also the player who threw the interception out of the wishbone against the Atlanta Falcons.

Hilliard also played some on special teams as a returner as they simply looked for ways to get him involved in the game. That became easier when Johnson stayed away from OTAs while asking to be traded as they simply started using No. 25 in the place of Duke.

This continued while Johnson was out of training camp with a hamstring injury and the performance of Hilliard had a lot to do with the Browns finally feeling comfortable enough to part with Johnson. Just ahead of their Week 1 preseason game, the Browns sent Johnson to the Houston Texans for a 2020 pick— which could end up becoming a third-round selection.

That allowed Hilliard to showcase his skills and he started out strong in that endeavor as he caught two passes on the Browns opening drive. Unfortunately, he also had a big gaffe as he fumbled the ball when trying to get into the goal line on a fourth-and-1 play.

As of now, Hilliard is expected to be the No. 2 running back while Kareem Hunt is suspended. He will play behind workhorse Nick Chubb but would be one snap away from handling the full load. The question heading into this next game is whether or not he’s up for that challenge. Can he shake off the fumble and have a nice outing in Week 2? Again all eyes will be on him as he looks to answer the questions around him.