Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb returned to practice this week after spending over a year recovering from a severe knee injury. Chubb, who underwent season-ending surgeries for a knee injury sustained in Week 2 of the 2023 season, participated in his first practice on Wednesday but is still uncertain about when he will make his season debut.
The surgeries he had in late 2023 addressed multiple issues, including his medial capsule, meniscus, MCL, and ACL. Despite this progress, Chubb is unlikely to play in the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders.
Chubb expressed positive feelings about his knee’s condition after his first practice. He noted that he had been training independently for some time, so he was already familiar with the activities he performed during practice.
While his return to practice is a good sign, Chubb remained cautious when asked about returning to his previous form, suggesting that only time will tell. Both the team and Chubb are keeping his status flexible, as there is no firm timeline for his first game back. The Browns have a 21-day window to activate him from the physically unable-to-perform list.
When asked about how much more preparation he needs before returning to the field, Chubb was vague, stating that he will play when he feels ready. Despite his past experiences with knee injuries—having torn multiple ligaments while in college at the University of Georgia—Chubb remains confident.
He explained that once he starts playing, the fear of injury fades, and it becomes instinctive, like riding a bike or playing as a child. For him, concerns about contact or getting hurt again are not on his mind.
Cleveland’s offensive coordinator, Ken Dorsey, emphasized that it was too early to make any substantial judgments about Chubb’s progress after only one practice. However, his return could not come at a better time, as the Browns offense has struggled significantly through the first four weeks of the season.
They currently rank 26th in both points per game (16.5) and rushing yards per game (94.8). Additionally, quarterback Deshaun Watson has been underperforming, with the worst Total QBR among qualified passers in the league.
For now, the Browns are carefully managing Chubb’s return to avoid any setbacks. Both Chubb and the coaching staff understand the importance of making sure he is fully healthy before stepping back into a game.
His eventual return is expected to provide a much-needed lift for Cleveland’s offense, but there is no rush to get him on the field before he is ready. Until then, the Browns will have to rely on their current roster to navigate their early-season struggles.
