The Browns’ slow and struggling offense may receive a boost this week. Nick Chubb is close to returning.
Chubb, one of the NFL’s top running backs from 2019 to 2022, is set to practice for the first time in over a year on Wednesday after suffering a serious knee injury in Week 2 of last season against Pittsburgh.
He started this season on the physically unable to perform list (PUP). The team plans to open a 21-day window for him to practice. He will need to be added to the 53-man roster by the end of this period, or he will stay on the PUP list for the entire season.
Chubb could be ready to play by the end of October. The four-time Pro Bowler has been ahead of schedule after having two surgeries on the same knee he injured while playing at Georgia.
The Browns (1-3) will be careful with Chubb, but they need someone to help them get out of a slump that worsened after Sunday’s 20-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Cleveland’s offense managed only 10 points against a Raiders defense missing star edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
The Browns will play at Washington next week before heading to Philadelphia on October 13. They will then host back-to-back games against AFC North rivals Cincinnati and Baltimore.
Chubb was drafted by the Browns in the second round in 2018 and was reliable during his first five seasons. However, he got injured last year against Pittsburgh when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick hit him low while he was running near the 5-yard line.
Chubb tore his anterior and medial collateral ligaments and suffered damage to the medial capsule and meniscus. The 28-year-old had two surgeries in November and then focused on his rehab, hitting many recovery milestones ahead of schedule.
