As Week 1 of the NFL season approaches, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a state of uncertainty regarding the return of their star running back, Nick Chubb. After suffering a severe knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, Chubb underwent two separate surgeries to repair both his ACL and MCL, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. Now, as the new season looms, the Browns are keeping their cards close to the chest when it comes to Chubb’s availability.
There have been promising signs during Chubb’s recovery, sparking hope among fans and teammates alike. The 27-year-old has been spotted in the gym, lifting heavy weights, and his on-field workouts—sprinting and cutting—have received positive feedback. Despite this progress, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski remains cautious about providing any definitive updates on Chubb’s status.
“I’m not going to get too far down the road on that type of stuff,” Stefanski said on Sunday, August 18. “I will tell you, I get to see him work out every day. He’s doing everything that he’s supposed to do and more, but not going to get too far down the road.”
The Browns have until August 27, the deadline for NFL teams to trim their rosters to 53 players, to make a decision on whether to activate Chubb from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. If the team opts not to activate him, Chubb will be required to miss the first four games of the season. This scenario would be a significant setback for the Browns, who know all too well how difficult it is to replace Chubb’s consistent production.
In 77 career games with Cleveland, Chubb has racked up 6,511 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns, averaging 84.6 yards per game and an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. His ability to move the chains and break off big plays is a cornerstone of the Browns’ offensive strategy.
While Chubb’s future remains uncertain, the running back has been a visible presence around the team. During Cleveland’s most recent preseason game on Saturday, August 17, Chubb made a rare in-game appearance during an interview with Browns’ sideline reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala. The usually stoic Chubb, with a smile on his face, provided a glimpse into his recovery process.
“I feel good. Every day I come to work out, I move around and feel a lot better,” Chubb said. When asked about a potential return date, he remained noncommittal. “I do not [have a return date in mind]. One day at a time. Just working on getting faster and stronger every day.”
D’Onta Foreman put ‘em on skates with the juke 😳 pic.twitter.com/NmKzOujSa7
— Browns Film Breakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) August 17, 2024
If Chubb is unable to suit up for Week 1, the Browns will lean heavily on their running back committee to fill the void. Free agent signing D’Onta Foreman is expected to play a significant role in the group. Foreman, who suffered a scare in training camp with an injury that briefly landed him in the hospital, made his preseason debut against the Minnesota Vikings, where he led the team in carries with 10 for 18 yards and scored a 1-yard touchdown. He also showcased his versatility with five receptions for 46 yards, including an impressive 27-yard catch-and-run.
“Ran very hard, that’s kind of his game. He puts his weight down and stays low and goes forward,” Stefanski said of Foreman’s performance. “I thought that’s what he did when he got the ball in his hands and obviously had a nose for the goal line there down to our left.”
As the Browns prepare to open the regular season on September 8 against the Dallas Cowboys, the team and its fans are eagerly awaiting news on Chubb’s status. His return could provide a much-needed boost to an offense that relies heavily on his explosive abilities. However, the decision on whether to activate him remains up in the air, leaving the Browns to navigate the uncertainty as the countdown to Week 1 continues.
