Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is one of the top running backs in the NFL. His reputation and fantasy football value have continued to grow early in the season. In five games, Chubb has 90 rushing attempts for 523 yards and 4 touchdowns. While he often cedes receiving work to Kareem Hunt, he has 5 catches for 35 yards. Unfortunately, due to injury, those who built their fantasy teams around Chubb will have to look in another direction in Week 7.
Nick Chubb’s Injury Update
Fantasy football managers were left scrambling to find replacements following Chubb’s injury. In an interview on Tuesday, head coach Kevin Stefanski officially ruled Chubb out for Thursday Night Football in Week 7.
Chubb missed the Week 6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but fantasy managers were hoping he would be back this week, even if he were limited. This is the first notable hamstring injury of Chubb’s career to date. He tore the MCL, PCL, and LCL in his left knee in 2015 while at the University of Georgia.
Chubbs’s largely managed to avoid injuries since being drafted in Round 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 games in each of his first two seasons. He suffered an MCL sprain in 2020, which caused him to miss four games, but there doesn’t appear to have been any lingering issues.
When will Nick Chubb be back?
Taking a long-term view of hamstring injuries is usually an intelligent decision. When players are rushed back, they often end up re-aggravating the injury and missing more time. Rest will allow Chubb’s hamstring to heal and should mean a smoother return.
It’s frustrating for fantasy managers who invested a first- or second-round pick and possibly fighting for a playoff spot. Nevertheless, if it means they get Chubb at 100% down the stretch, then the wait will be worth it.
The Browns don’t have their bye week until Week 13. Therefore, they don’t have the luxury of a week without a game to help Chubb’s recovery. In the majority of fantasy leagues, that will be the penultimate week of the regular season.
Who is the fantasy handcuff to Chubb?
Chubb isn’t the only Browns running back who has been ruled out of their Week 7 game. Hunt is also unavailable after being placed on injured reserve with a calf injury. He’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Chubb and Hunt are the top RB duo in the NFL, and the Browns will feel their absence. D’Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton are expected to handle most of the workload, but even the most optimistic fans will be expecting a downgrade.
The assumption is that the Browns put less of an emphasis on the running game moving forward. No team has more rushing attempts or rushing yards than the Browns this season. Still, it’s unlikely they abandon it altogether. Felton is expected to get the start and lead the committee. Johnson and former Los Angeles Chargers RB John Kelly will rotate in to provide relief.
Rest of season projection
Chubb should return as a top-10 running back for the rest of the season in standard scoring. He has consistently high rushing volume, runs efficiently, and scores touchdowns. His value is lower in points per reception (PPR) leagues, but his ability on the ground means that he’s still a top-15 option.