Through four games this season, the Cleveland Browns have stumbled their way to a 1-3 record. It’s safe to say this start is disappointing for them after winning 11 games last season and making an appearance in the wild-card round.
Most of the headlines have focused on what quarterback Deshaun Watson hasn’t done on the field. However, an even greater reason for the offense's slow start could be the absence of Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb. He’s been recovering from a torn ACL/MCL and meniscus damage suffered in Week 2 last season.
The light is visible
On Wednesday, Chubb was eligible to make his return to work out with the team. He won’t be hitting the field for live action just yet. Coming off the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP), Chubb now has a 21-day window to practice with the team before he must be activated to the 53-man roster or designated as out for the rest of the year.
During that time the Browns have to evaluate Chubb’s progress, they’ll play three games. Cleveland is in Washington for Week 5, then heads to Philly in Week 6 before heading back home for a showdown with in-state rival Cincinnati.
Can Chubb save Cleveland’s season?
That’s a tall order for someone who hasn’t played football in well over a year. But we know what and who Chubb is when healthy. He's a four-time Pro Bowler with four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaigns from 2019-22. The last time Chubb played a full season (’22), he rushed for 1,525 yards, finishing third in the league.
Chubb was second-team All-Pro that season and named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl. So, we know what he’s capable of but coming off of such a major injury, it’ll be a lot to drop the weight of carrying this team on him immediately. This offense hasn’t nearly picked up the slack, and Watson looks nothing like the guy the Brown thought they’d be getting.
By the time Chubb potentially returns to the lineup, Cleveland could very well be 1-6 and pretty much out of contention. Sometimes, certain players’ presence on the field is enough to spark the team, but this is a big ask of Chubb, who will likely need a couple of games to really feel comfortable again. Unfortunately, the Browns don’t have that type of time, so if he’s going to play the role of Superman, it’ll need to happen soon.
