Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski
The Cleveland Browns are about to get a major boost, with Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb expected to return to practice soon. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Chubb is eligible to come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and start practicing this Wednesday. However, fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him in action on game day. Chubb isn’t expected to play in the Browns’ Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
“The Pro Bowler is not expected to play in Cleveland’s Week 5 game against the Commanders, but the team opening his three-week window will be a significant sign that he is set to return midseason as Chubb and the Browns had hoped,” said Rapoport.
Chubb’s Long Road to Recovery
Chubb has been sidelined since suffering a major knee injury during Week 2 of last season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His injury required two surgeries to repair his ACL, meniscus, and other knee issues, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. Now, he’s nearing his long-awaited return, but the Browns are being cautious with their star back to avoid rushing his recovery.
Restructured Contract and Future Motivation
For Chubb, this season carries immense importance beyond his health. The Browns restructured his contract during the offseason, lowering his base salary but allowing him to earn incentives that could help him reach his original base of $11.775 million. Entering the final year of his contract, Chubb is playing not only to reestablish himself among the NFL’s elite but also to secure his future in Cleveland or elsewhere.
Doubts have surfaced about whether Chubb can return to his previous form, but the running back is using those doubts as fuel.
“I see everything. It’s not the first time someone has counted me out, so I’ve been here before, and I’m not really paying much attention to it. But I do see it, and I’m just focusing on getting better,” Chubb said in July. “It’s a blessing to play this game. You can’t take it for granted because in one play, it can all be taken away. I’m just blessed to have so much support around Cleveland, the fans, my friends, family, just to keep me uplifted and keep me going.”
Browns’ Rushing Struggles Without Chubb
Cleveland’s offense has felt the absence of its star running back. The Browns are averaging just 94.8 rushing yards per game this season, ranking 26th in the league. In their most recent game against the Raiders, they managed only 92 rushing yards, with quarterback Deshaun Watson contributing 32 of those on scrambles. Jerome Ford broke free for a 35-yard run, but aside from that, the ground attack has lacked consistency.
Adding to the Browns’ woes is their banged-up offensive line. Injuries to starters like Jedrick Wills Jr., Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, and center Ethan Pocic have taken a toll, as has the absence of tight end David Njoku, a strong blocker and receiving threat. Watson acknowledged the challenges but remains focused on working with the players available.
“We’ll see,” Watson said after Sunday’s loss. “You’ve got to take it one day at a time, so my job is just taking it one day at a time and if whoever’s out there on the field, I’ve got to focus on those 11 guys. So we’d definitely love to have all those guys back and it definitely will help, but we’ll see.”
Browns vs. Commanders
The Browns enter Week 5 as 3.5-point underdogs against the Washington Commanders. Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington is riding a three-game win streak. With Chubb’s return looming but not immediate, Cleveland will need to find ways to stay competitive without their Pro Bowl running back, as they face another tough opponent in the Commanders.
