The Cleveland Browns (1-2) have been struggling at quarterback with Deshaun Watson early in the season, but offensive reinforcements could be on the way shortly. Through three games, the Browns are second-last in average yards per game (248.0), eighth-worst in average points (16.7), and tenth in average rushing yards (95.7). Cleveland’s leading rusher with 145 yards, Jerome Ford, has been serviceable, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.
However, it appears like star running back Nick Chubb, who is now on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after suffering a catastrophic knee injury in Week 2 of last season, is close to returning to the field.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on Sunday, “Chubb is expected to return to practice this week, a significant step in his recovery from major injury – and a huge lift for his team.”
“The Pro Bowler is not expected to play in Cleveland’s Week 5 game against the Commanders, but the team opening his three-week window will be a significant sign that he is set to return midseason as Chubb and the Browns had hoped,” Rapoport wrote on the NFL’s homepage. Following Sunday’s game against Washington, Cleveland’s remaining October schedule includes a game at Philadelphia, as well as divisional games at home against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 7 and 8.
The Browns have a bye in Week 10, which might be an especially conservative timeframe if the team chooses to proceed gently with their 28-year-old Pro Bowler. Before his 2023 season was cut short, Chubb had four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He also had at least eight running touchdowns in each of his first five NFL seasons.
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