Nick Chubb provides one of the most highly anticipated returns for the Cleveland Browns ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
The four-time Pro Bowl running back watched his 2023 season end abruptly in devastating fashion during Week 2. Many across the league wondered if Chubb’s knee would prevent him from missing early action into the upcoming season, but on Monday, Browns general manager Andrew Berry provided a promising update.
Is Nick Chubb Healthy Enough To Run in Camp?
Speaking with the media following Monday’s camp session, Berry first began stating how pleased he is with Chubb’s recovery process — but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to play just yet.
“We are incredibly pleased with the work that he’s put in, the progress he’s made,” Berry said. “He still has a little ways to go, but we’re really happy to see where he is as we enter camp and look forward to him [continuing] to improve the health of the knee.”
Browns GM Andrew Berry said RB Nick Chubb (knee) still “has a little ways to go” in his rehab but the team has been pleased with his progress. pic.twitter.com/OfxyC3xDgx
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) July 29, 2024
Berry added that no real timetable is set for Chubb’s official return, calling it a “day-by-day” process.
Chubb remains on Cleveland’s physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Yet, Berry’s words are the first sign of encouragement among Browns fans that Chubb is on the right path to lining back up on the field.
Looking Back at Chubb’s Shortened 2023 Season
It was near the 14:20 mark of the second quarter in Pittsburgh when Chubb, the Browns, and Monday Night Football viewers had their hearts sink.
Chubb took a simple handoff and pounded his way inside the middle of the Steelers’ defense — runs he’s grown used to throughout his career. However, this time, Chubb had trouble getting helped up by two of his teammates.
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The next scene became more concerning, with Chubb clutching his left knee while rolling to his side.
“The last thing and Browns fan wants to see — Nick Chubb holding his left leg,” MNF play-by-play announcer Joe Buck was overheard saying. He and color commentator Troy Aikman were later told by their MNF producers that the replay of Chubb’s injury was not meant to be seen, indicating gruesome details.
That would become the final time Browns and NFL fans saw the perennial 1,000-yard rusher for the rest of the 2023 season. After being placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL to end his season, Chubb’s streak of four straight 1,000-yard seasons was over.
Should Fantasy Managers Be Concerned?
Obviously, fantasy football managers are likely telling themselves to proceed with caution when rolling with Chubb this season.
Pro Football Network Fantasy Analyst Jason Katz helped dive further into the fantasy impact Chubb would have ahead of 2024, including whether it’s worth turning to the Browns’ star this fall. Katz sounds encouraged by Chubb’s rehabilitation process, but he reminds us that it doesn’t officially mean all is perfect regarding the RB’s health.
“By now, we’ve all seen the clips of Nick Chubb squatting more weight than any of us could ever dream of. It’s clear his rehab is going well. However, we must be careful not to mistake reports of excellent progress with ‘definitely will be ready early in the season,'” Katz stated.
“Chubb’s knee injury was devastating and required multiple surgeries. Fantasy managers should operate under the assumption he will open the season on the PUP list.”
Katz then drew parallels with another Pro Bowler who dealt with an identical ailment one year ago.
“The best timeline comparison would be Kyler Murray’s return to action from last season. He wasn’t activated until Week 10,” Katz said. “While Chubb should be able to get back on the field around the middle of the season, that doesn’t necessarily mean he will be vintage Chubb right away.”
Furthermore, Katz brought up another dilemma facing Chubb: Father Time.
“In addition to the overwhelming likelihood of a slow ramp-up period, Chubb will be very close to his 29th birthday by the time he gets back on the field,” Katz said. “This is an older running back with over 1,300 career touches. We must acknowledge the possibility he will never be the same again.”
Will this mean turning to Jerome Ford instead if you’re a fantasy manager?
“With that said, Chubb will play when he returns. That means there’s an expiration date on presumptive Week 1 starter Jerome Ford’s fantasy value,” Katz said.
“The early months still matter, though. Ford averaged 12.4 fantasy points per game last season. He can be a viable fantasy RB2 for the first half of the season. Given his RB40 ADP, even if you knew you were only getting six weeks of Ford, he’s still probably worth it at that price.”
Katz acknowledges that taking Chubb will come with hesitation by those needing a running back.
“As for Chubb, it’s hard to recommend drafting him. You’ll have to sit on him for at least a third of the season. Then, when he returns, you won’t know if you’ll be able to start him right away, nor if you’ll even want to beyond that.
“If you think Chubb has league-winning upside and your league has IR spots, the opportunity cost is minimal. However, I’m typically not in the business of drafting injured players. It goes wrong far more often than it goes right.”
