Nick Chubb isn’t one for dwelling on the past. He doesn’t get caught up in emotions or assign extra meaning to any particular game.
That includes Thursday night’s matchup against the Steelers, even though it’s the first time he’ll face them since suffering a devastating knee injury in Week 2 of 2023.
“It’s just the same normal game for me, pushing the same way and looking forward to going out there and playing against a great team,” Chubb said Tuesday, embodying his characteristic focus and understatement.
Chubb’s Journey Back
The last time Chubb lined up against the Steelers, his season ended when safety Minkah Fitzpatrick’s tackle caused catastrophic damage to his left knee.
The injury required two surgeries to repair torn ACL, MCL, meniscus, and medial capsule ligaments. It was a brutal blow, but not Chubb’s first. He had already overcome major knee reconstruction in 2015 during his college career at Georgia.
His resilience hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“It’s been incredible for me to watch,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “To see what he’s gone through with those surgeries, the rehab, and getting himself back into position to play, it’s pretty incredible. But I know Nick’s not reflecting on it—he’s just focused on helping this team win.”
Defensive end Myles Garrett echoed those sentiments.
“It’s amazing to see him out here,” Garrett said. “Coming back from not one, but two major knee injuries shows his resolve. He doesn’t let these things stop him. He worked his a** off to return and be the cornerstone he’s always been.”
Chubb downplays the personal significance of the game, stating simply, “That’s just who I am. It’s a football game. No matter who we’re playing, my mindset stays the same.”
Support from Teammates
Chubb’s quiet determination has made him a favorite among teammates and coaches. Left guard Joel Bitonio reflected on how much Chubb means to the team, both on and off the field.
“It’s just the person he is, the work he puts in,” Bitonio said. “When he went down, it hurt us all emotionally. Seeing him back, though, is exciting, and we’re building him back up to that Nick Chubb style of running we all know.”
Despite his progress, the Browns have been cautious, limiting Chubb to 22 snaps in last Sunday’s 35-14 loss to the Saints. In that game, he carried the ball 11 times for 50 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Across four games this season, he’s totaled 163 yards and a touchdown on 53 carries.
The team has leaned on Jerome Ford to share the load. Chubb is full of praise for his fellow running back.
“Jerome is a special player. He’s fast, explosive, has great hands, and great vision. He takes a lot of the load off me.”
The Steelers Challenge
Facing the Steelers will be no small task. Their defense ranks second in the league, allowing just 16.2 points per game. Chubb knows it will be a tough, physical battle, but he welcomes the challenge.
“Those guys play hard upfront. Linebackers, secondary—they’re all sound and physical,” Chubb said. “Every game against them is a fight for all four quarters. I always look forward to playing the Steelers.”
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin returned the respect.
“Mr. Chubb, I have so much respect for his game, his body of work, and his capabilities,” Tomlin said. “From a football standpoint, it’s great to see him back. From a competitive standpoint, he has our full attention.”
Chubb’s Resolve
At 2-8, the Browns’ season hasn’t gone as hoped, but Chubb refuses to give up.
“At this point, it is what it is,” he said. “We’re not satisfied with who we are, but we’re trying to get better every week.”
A win against the Steelers would mean a lot to both the team and the city of Cleveland.
“Hopefully, it will help some,” Chubb said. “We’ve dug ourselves into a hole, but any win helps. For the city of Cleveland, we’d definitely like to get this one.”
