Browns running back Kareem Hunt's season ends with him missing fourth consecutive game

CLEVELAND — Browns star running back Kareem Hunt will miss his fourth consecutive game and end his 2021 season among the team's inactive players.

Hunt suffered a left ankle injury in a Dec. 12 win over the Baltimore Ravens and spent 10 days on the COVID-19 list from Dec. 17-27.

Hunt won't play Sunday when the Browns (7-9) face the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) in the season finale at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Star defender won't be available: Browns Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward placed on reserve/COVID-19 list, will miss season finale

Third-string running back D'Ernest Johnson was activated from the COVID-19 list Saturday and cleared to play Sunday. He will back up three-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb.

The Browns announced Hunt, nickelback Troy Hill (knee), safeties Ronnie Harrison Jr. (ankle) and Richard LeCounte III, guard Hjalte Froholdt and defensive tackle Sheldon Day will be inactive versus the Bengals.

Looking at the quarterback landscape: Will Baker Mayfield be back with Browns? Why NFL contract expert Joel Corry deems QB's return likeliest outcome

The Browns had listed Hunt, Hill and Harrison as questionable to play Sunday.

Safety John Johnson III (hamstring), tight end David Njoku (shoulder) and cornerback Greedy Williams (shoulder) will be active against the Bengals despite being labeled questionable for the game.

Hunt also missed five weeks this season with a calf injury. In eight games, he compiled 78 carries for 386 yards (4.9 average) and five touchdowns to go along with 22 catches for 174 yards. He is under contract through next season.

Center JC Tretter will serve as the Browns' game captain.

Overview of Cleveland Browns offense: Impending free agent David Njoku draws coaches' praise as questions abound

Cleveland Browns contract talk: Denzel Ward is keeper, but floor for extension is more than $19 million a year

The Bengals announced their inactive players will be quarterback Joe Burrow (resting), kicker Evan McPherson (right groin), cornerback Jalen Davis (ankle), linebacker Logan Wilson, wide receiver Tee Higgins, defensive end Cam Sample (hamstring) and defensive tackle D.J. Reader (resting).

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns running back Kareem Hunt won't play in finale vs. Bengals