Browns general manager Andrew Berry said he’s envisioning one big, joyful moment that’ll come this season. It’ll be the first time running back Nick Chubb can play in a game.
“One of the moments that we’re all most looking forward to is the first time he runs out of that home tunnel for his debut of the 2024,” Berry said this week during an interview with The Insiders.
Chubb, when healthy, is the starting running back for the Browns. And when healthy, he’s also one of the best runners in the NFL. But unfortunately for Chubb, who is beloved by teammates and Browns fans alike, he’s had horrible luck with his knee.
Chubb suffered a significant knee injury while at Georgia. He rebounded from that one and earned spots in four Pro Bowls since the Browns picked him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Then came another horrific knee injury. In the second week of last season — a Monday Night Football game against the Steelers — Chubb’s knee buckled. The injury was so severe that he needed surgery to repair the meniscus and MCL last September. Then in November, surgeons opened his knee again to repair his ACL, the main stabilizer of the joint.
It usually takes up to a year to recuperate from an ACL surgery. Chubb has devoted long hours to get back to the field. Berry filled in some of the details.
“I said this at my end-of-season press conference,” said the Browns GM. “Coming into (2023), I had a respect level for Nick Chubb, it was a 10 out of 10. Exiting the season it was probably a 20 out of 10 because this was a person who came in every day, 5:30, (a.m.) doing his rehab, working as if he was preparing for Sunday.”
Chubb joined Cleveland teammates at OTAs, minicamp
Chubb was with his Browns teammates when OTA work started in May. However, he was limited in what he could do. Earlier this month, he made his first public comments since the injury to his left knee.
“It’s a blessing to play this game,” Chubb told reporters. “You can’t take it for granted because in one play, it can all be taken away. I’m just blessed to have so much support around Cleveland, the fans, my friends, family, just to keep me uplifted and keep me going.”
He added: “I’m getting better every day, taking it day by day, getting better. Yeah, just right now, trying to get stronger.”
Browns reworked Chubbs’ contract earlier this year
The Browns renegotiated Chubb’s contract earlier this year. It’s heavy on incentives, so when the running back does return to health, he can earn the money. He was set to earn $11.775 million. After the reworking of the deal, he still can make about the same amount if he meets requirements for the incentives.
Berry explained why the Browns renegotiated.
“When we look at any member of our organization, it’s important for us not to lose sight of the fact that we’re dealing with people. What happened to Nick last year was very unfortunate. He had no desire to be anywhere besides Cleveland. We had no desire for that to be the last snap he would take in a Cleveland Browns jersey.
“Quite honestly, he’s the heartbeat and pulse of our team,” Berry said. “He is a selfless individual. He works hard. He’s an outstanding ball-carrier, an outstanding running back.”
