If history is an accurate predictor of the future, Cleveland Browns fans should be excited about running back Nick Chubb’s prospects for the upcoming season.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report on July 22 predicted that Chubb will return to the field in a flurry of success and lead the league in rushing less than one year after a serious knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season that required multiple surgeries to repair.
“Chubb was the NFL’s best pure runner, an elite package of power, speed, balance and vision,” Sobleski wrote. “Chubb’s latest knee injury isn’t his first. He suffered another during his sophomore season at Georgia. That specific injury occurred three weeks later in the year. He was back for the season-opener of the following campaign.”
Chubb mustered 1,130 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs that year playing alongside Sony Michel, who would go on to play five seasons in the NFL. Chubb will re-enter a similar situation whenever he returns to active duty in Cleveland, as backup Jerome Ford put up something of a breakout campaign during his second professional campaign in 2023.
“If Chubb opens the season as Cleveland’s lead back, with a more stabilized quarterback situation and fewer runners actually eclipsing 1,100 yards, he can easily don his cape and cowl and regain his previous status as the best of the best,” Sobleski continued.
Nick Chubb Was 4-Time Pro Bowler Before Suffering Knee Injury Last Season
The question of whether Chubb will be ready for Week 1 will determine what kind of teeth Sobleski’s “bold prediction” ultimately bares.
“It’s different now because I feel like I’m behind,” Chubb said during an interview that will be part of a documentary on the running back from JOC Films. “Usually I’m healthy and I’m working to get faster and stronger. Now I’m just trying to catch up to get to the person I once was.”
The person Chubb once was earned trips to four consecutive Pro Bowls between his second season in 2019 and the 2022 campaign. Over the course of 77 NFL games played, Chubb has earned 70 starts and gained 6,511 yards on the ground as well as scored 48 TDs, per Pro Football Reference. He has also caught 123 passes for 1,011 receiving yards and 4 scores.
Cleveland designated Chubb to the active/PUP (physically unable to perform) list on June 24. That does not preclude him from playing Week 1, as all Chubb must do is pass a physical to gain eligibility for elevation to the active roster.
However, if the Browns ultimately choose to place the running back on the reserve/PUP list, Chubb will miss at least the first four regular-season games. Cleveland opens the campaign on September 8 at home against the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerome Ford Played Well Behind Browns Offensive Line in Nick Chubb’s Absence
Cleveland has two of the best offensive guards in the league in Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, which should help Chubb return to his former self — at least as an inside runner. However, the tackle positions remain somewhat suspect as all three of the Browns’ top players at the position return this year from season-ending injuries they suffered at various points during the 2023 campaign.
Despite some weak spots, though, the offensive line was able to help Ford find success as both a rusher and receiver out of the backfield after he took over for Chubb.
Ford put up 813 rushing yards on 4.0 yards per carry and scored 4 TDs on the ground during his second NFL season. He also caught 44 passes for 319 receiving yards and 5 scores.
Ford’s production will allow Cleveland to take its time with Chubb’s transition back into action, which could result in the running back missing multiple games to begin the year if any medical issues persist.
