Nick Chubb returned to practice when first eligible, a positive sign with respect to his rehab process. The standout Browns running back now has a firm target to make his 2024 debut. 
Chubb is expected play in Week 7, as first reported by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The Browns opened his 21-day activation window on October 2, and to no surprise the team has elected to remain patient in evaluating his practice showings. No setbacks have occurred, though, positioning Chubb to suit up against the Bengals seven days from now. A separate Cabot piece notes the 28-year-old will have the final say on when he suits up in a game setting.
After a major knee injury suffered in Week 2 last year, Chubb underwent two separate procedures as part of his recovery process. Cleveland remained committed to the four-time Pro Bowler, but team and player agreed to a restructured contract in the offseason which saw Chubb take a pay cut. He is also a pending free agent as a result of that agreement, so his ability to return to his previous form will be critical for his short- and long-term future.
The Browns entered Sunday ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and their offense as a whole has struggled mightily this season. Cleveland has been held under 20 points in each of the team’s first six games, becoming the first team to do so in a decade (h/t ESPN’s Field Yates). Getting Chubb back could provide a major boost in the backfield.
Jerome Ford took over as RB1 after Chubb went down last year, and he has remined a key figure on offense in 2024. The former fifth-rounder exited today’s contest due to a hamstring injury, however, so any missed time would leave Cleveland thin in the backfield. That would add further value to Chubb’s return, something which will be confirmed once he is brought off the reserve/PUP list. Doing so will not count toward the Browns’ in-season activation total, which currently sits at four and will drop by one when fellow back Nyheim Hines returns from the NFI list.
Chubb recorded between 1,067 and 1,525 yards each season from 2019-22, averaging no fewer than 5.0 yards per carry during that span. Remaining among the league’s most efficient rushers upon return would pay considerable dividends for the Browns as they look to rebound from a 1-5 record. Likewise, Chubb’s market value would move in a positive direction if he were to regain his Pro Bowl form once he is back on the field. Provided the coming days of practice go as planned, he should be available for Cleveland’s next contest.
The football Gods are cruel, give Chubb back and taketh Hutchinson.