The Cleveland Browns managed to make the playoffs last season despite being decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball. As the 2024 offseason begins ramping up, one of Cleveland’s mainstays is reportedly making great progress as he works his way back to playing shape.
The status of Browns running back Nick Chubb’s availability for the 2024 campaign is still up in the air. However, coach Kevin Stefanski gave a positive update on the superstar during Monday’s annual league meeting.
Chubb was lost for the season on what many deemed a dirty hit on his left knee by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a Sept. 18 game.
Browns left without Chubb for majority of 2023 season
Chubb was carted off the field after the hit, having suffered ligament damage in his left knee. He underwent what was termed “successful” surgery on the knee on Sept. 30. At the time of the injury, Chubb was averaging 6.1 yards on 28 carries for 170 yards in two games played.
Cleveland pieced together the backfield from there. The team re-signed Kareem Hunt to pair with Jerome Ford to rush for a combined 1,224 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. This offseason, the Browns signed free agent rusher D’Onta Foreman but are hoping to have Chubb back in the fold by Week 1.
Regarding Chubb’s current status, Stefanski told the Akron Beacon Journal:
“I’m excited for Nick. He’s doing a great job with his rehab, as everybody can imagine. We’ll just make sure that we continue to make decisions based on him and the medical staff. But excited about Nick.”
Chubb’s return would transform the Browns’ offense
The Browns signed wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to bolster the receiving corps. However, Chubb’s return to the offense would be transformative. A rushing/receiving combo the likes of Chubb will take a load of pressure off quarterback DeShaun Watson. Cleveland is still waiting on Watson to return to the star form he displayed with the Houston Texans. Watson also lost significant time to injury in 2024.
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Tom Carothers is a sportswriter with more than 20 years of experience covering sports at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Still longing for the return of his Minnesota North Stars, he has a high pain tolerance as a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Browns, and Tottenham Hotspur. You can follow him on X at @tomcarothers.