Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns
As the Cleveland Browns gear up for their upcoming season, a familiar face is poised to make a dramatic comeback. Nick Chubb, sidelined since his devastating knee injury in Week 2 of last season, has been a beacon of hope and resilience for Browns fans. Despite enduring ACL and MCL surgeries—one of which was a follow-up procedure last November—Chubb has been diligently working towards his return, showcasing his progress through intense social media posts of squats and sprints.
🚨SPOTTED: a smiley @NickChubb on the sideline 😄 pic.twitter.com/td4ltT3Dzp
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 17, 2024
During the Browns’ second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, Chubb, who was seen smiling from the sidelines, spoke with Browns sideline reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala about his recovery. “I feel good. Every day I come to work out, I move around and feel a lot better,” Chubb shared. While he did not specify a return date, he emphasized his focus on daily improvements. “I do not [have a return date in mind]. One day at a time. Just working on getting faster and stronger every day.”
Chubb remains on the physically unable-to-perform (PUP) list, which could keep him out of the first four games of the season if he is not activated in time. In his absence, the Browns have relied on a committee approach in the backfield. Newly acquired D’Onta Foreman made a notable impact in the preseason game, leading the team in carries with 10 for 18 yards and scoring a touchdown. Foreman, who was brought in to fill the role vacated by Kareem Hunt, also contributed significantly in the passing game with five receptions for 46 yards.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry had high praise for Foreman’s performance, likening his skill set to that of Hunt’s, highlighting his ability to replicate the versatile role the team had grown accustomed to.
As the Browns look to solidify their lineup, another key player, Jerome Ford, joined Chubb on the sidelines during the preseason clash. The running back rotation saw limited production from Pierre Strong Jr. and Aidan Robbins, who combined for 9 carries and 19 yards, suggesting that the team is still searching for the right mix in Chubb’s absence.
first TD as a Cleveland Brown for @D33_foreman! 😤
📺 #MINvsCLE on @WEWS and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/0af8FxI5N9
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 17, 2024
In addition to the running back situation, the Browns are eagerly anticipating the return of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson, who has been sidelined for the majority of the past two seasons, is set to make his preseason debut against the Seattle Seahawks on August 24. Watson expressed his excitement for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 8, noting the added thrill of Tom Brady calling the game. “It’s set in stone. It’s something you think about each and every day,” Watson said. “The Dawg Pound and the stadium will be rocking. You can’t get any better than that to start off the season.”
As the Browns prepare for the season, the anticipation is high. With Chubb’s return on the horizon and Watson poised to make his mark, Cleveland fans have plenty to look forward to as they hope for a successful start to the 2024 NFL season.
