Browns RB Nick Chubb Progressing In Rehab; Return Timeline Still Unclear

After Nick Chubb‘s 2023 season was cut short by a major knee injury, it was obvious he would face a long road back to the field. The standout Browns back is not a lock to be available at the start of the season, but he is making progress in his recovery.

Chubb, as expected, required two surgeries to repair the damage done to his knee in Week 2. The second operation took place in November, and its success kept him on track to return at some point this season. The Browns are not committed to a firm time at which the four-time Pro Bowler will suit up, but they have operated this offseason as if he will remain a key member of their offense.

“I’m getting better every day, taking it day by day, getting better,” Chubb said when speaking about his health status (via NFL.com). “Yeah, just right now, trying to get stronger. I like where I’m at. I’m where I need to be, I would say that.”

With only one year remaining on his contract, questions were raised in the offseason about Chubb’s short- and long-term future in Cleveland. As a further sign the team had him in their plans, the Georgia alum agreed to a restructure which lowered his cap hit and base compensation. Incentives will allow him to earn back some of his previously scheduled money, but his ability to do so will largely hinge on his return timeline.

Chubb confirmed he does not have a specific target in mind with respect to when he will be back on the field, adding he only recently started “moving really well.” Having him in any capacity would be a major development for Cleveland at any time during the campaign, though. The former second-rounder averaged between 5.0 and 5.6 yards per carry in each of his first five seasons in the NFL, topping 1,000 rushing yards each year from 2019-22. He should be able to take on lead RB responsibilities when healthy in a backfield featuring the likes of Jerome Ford, D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines.

“Definitely a blessing,” Chubb added when speaking about his reworked contract and the fact he will remain with the Browns through at least 2024. “They could have just cut me dry and left me hanging, right, but they did a great job. I want to be here in Cleveland – they know that – so we came to a great point.”

Whether or not that feeling is mutual to the point of a new deal being negotiated next offseason will be worth watching as the campaign unfolds. Chubb’s health will be a key determining factor in when he next sees the field and how effective he is upon doing so. That will have a major impact on his post-2024 future with the Browns or another team.