Willis McGahee has been one of the highlights of the Cleveland Browns' offense. The running back went from coach sitter to starter following the trade of Trent Richardson. He has been one of the most reliable weapons for Brandon Weeden who has struggled to throw the ball all year. However, McGahee has once again popped up on the injured list and is questionable for Sunday's game.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, McGahee was held out of practice this week to rest his surgically repaired knee. So far through four games, McGahee has racked up 164 yards which for the Browns is big numbers. However he is only managing 2.8 yards per carry. Weeden will likely attempt to establish a strong run game this week against the Green Bay Packers after being turnover-plagued since returning as the team's starting quarterback.
If McGahee is unable to play, the Browns will turn to rookie Bobby Rainey for help. At the start of the year, Rainey looked dead in the water. The Browns would not turn away from Richardson and he appeared destined to sit on the bench. However, signing McGahee has given Rainey a brief amount of playing time. The backup has put together just 34 yards this season, but can handle much more.
Rainey does not have much break-away speed to work with, but his 5'9" body frame makes him tough to bring down which could be productive for the Browns. The issue is that Rainey has very little playing time and that inexperience could show against a talented defense like Green Bay has. Rob Chudzinski is looking to improve the team's third-down production which could mean turnining to the ground game more than they have.
It is likely that McGahee will play on Sunday no matter what. The Plain Dealer notes that it has always been the plan to give the veteran running back plenty of rest days throughout the week considering his history with injuries does not work in his favor. It is always a tricky situation when considering starting someone on the Browns in fantasy. Norv Turner appears to remain confident Brandon Weeden can keep passing the ball around despite having thrown five interceptions for his four touchdown passes this year. Either running back is sure to see plenty of time on the field.
