Some uplifting news came out on Sunday morning ahead of the NFL's main slate of games. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared that the Cleveland Browns running back is "expected to return to practice this week."
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There was always a shot Chubb could be ready to go once his four-week PUP designation expired, but due to the severity of his knee injury, which damaged multiple ligaments, it was never a certainty he would be back so soon. Some people were even doubtful he would return at all, so hearing that Chubb is set to hit the practice field as soon as Monday is great news for Browns fans and the NFL as a whole.
"Football is better when Nick Chubb is playing," one fan wrote on X.
yesss ? so excited for chubb to be back!! he's such a beast ?'? hope he crushes it this season
— Nathalie May (@nathaliemayy) September 29, 2024
Since entering the league in 2018, Chubb has vaulted himself into the upper echelon of NFL running backs. The Georgia product had four straight 1,000-yard seasons from his sophomore campaign until 2022. The two years he failed to hit that mark was last year due to the devastating season-ending injury and as a rookie, in which he finished with 996 yards. He's also had no less than eight touchdowns on the ground in all but one season (2023).
"Awesome news," another X user wrote. "He's their soul and identity."
In Chubb's absence, the Browns have gotten off to a sluggish start. The team is 1-2 and falling behind the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. That being said, no other team in the division has more than one win, so Cleveland certainly has time to make up some ground.
Nick Chubb is returning from his scary 2023 knee injury and gives Cleveland the hope they are looking for. (@NChubb27)
"Batman comes back when Cleveland needs him the most," another Browns fan wrote on X.
Me reading this news this morning about Nick Chubb:
Damn it #DawgPound it's been a rough month for us, but Chubb returning? Gives us the threat of a run game again, which helps this offense immensely 100% https://t.co/wQMM8bYk5z pic.twitter.com/2pcq7r5ZA1
— Bill Sparks (@SparkScouting) September 29, 2024
While learning that Chubb is set to return to practice, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be back on the field for in-game action immediately. When a player comes off PUP, the team activates that player's practice window. That allows the player a 21-day runway to get back into game shape without counting against the 53-man roster.
So Chubb could return Week 5 or it could be a few more weeks.
Either way, Cleveland fans are thrilled that he's at least showing positive signs of a return as early as he can.
"This guy couldn't come back at a better time to deflect everything off our QBs shoulder," an X user commented. "Will he be the same? Who cares at this point. Priceless."
