It’s been a long time, but Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is finally back at practice. NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Browns officially designated Chubb’s return off injured reserve. His return means the Browns will have 21 days to place him on the active roster.
The Browns placed the All-Pro running back on IR to start the season as part of his ongoing recovery from the ACL and MCL injuries he suffered in Week 2 of the 2023 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injury was so gruesome that the television network broadcasting that game did not replay the unfortunate sequence.
Before that injury, Chubb was coming off four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. It would have been five if he did not end up four yards short of that milestone during his rookie season. Chubb has established himself as one of the league’s best running backs, earning four Pro Bowl selections and a Second-Team All-Pro nod.
.@NickChubb putting on that 24 again. You love to see it. pic.twitter.com/XF0VaDeyky
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 2, 2024
Meanwhile, Chubb’s return can provide an emotional boost for a Browns team that lost three of its first four games this season. Their only victory came in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while two of their three losses were by one possession.
However, it remains to be seen if Chubb will be available for Cleveland’s Week 5 game against the Washington Commanders. If the Browns maximize the 21-day window, he might be ready to go by Week 8 when they face division rival Baltimore Ravens.
-Lance Fernandez