The Cleveland Browns are set to welcome back a key offensive weapon in Week 7, as star running back Nick Chubb is poised to make his season debut against the Cincinnati Bengals. Chubb, who has been sidelined since suffering a severe left knee injury in September 2023, is officially listed as questionable but is expected to suit up on Sunday, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
The four-time Pro Bowler’s return is a much-needed boost for a Browns offense that has struggled to find consistency in the early stages of the 2024 season. Chubb’s powerful running style and ability to break off big plays have been sorely missed, and his presence should open up more opportunities for quarterback Deshaun Watson and the passing game.
Chubb Eager to Contribute
Speaking to reporters earlier in the week, Chubb expressed his excitement about getting back on the field with his teammates. “I’m ready to get out there with my team, ready to do whatever I can,” he said. “I feel good.”
While Chubb’s return is undoubtedly positive news for the Browns, Stefanski emphasized that the team has a plan in place to manage his workload as he reacclimates to game action. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey echoed this sentiment, stating that they “want to make sure that he’s available for the long term.”
Ford Sidelined with Hamstring Injury
While Chubb is set to return, the Browns will be without promising rookie running back Jerome Ford, who has been ruled out for Week 7 due to a hamstring injury. Ford, a fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati, had been shouldering a significant portion of the backfield duties in Chubb’s absence and showed flashes of potential.
The loss of Ford is a setback for Cleveland’s running back depth, but the team will likely lean on veteran Demetric Felton and third-year pro John Kelly to spell Chubb as needed. Both Felton and Kelly have seen limited action thus far but will be called upon to step up in Ford’s absence.
Hines, Hickman Also Out; Other Key Players Questionable
In addition to Ford, the Browns have also ruled out running back/return specialist Nyheim Hines and safety Ronnie Hickman for Sunday’s contest. Hines, like Chubb, has been working his way back from a knee injury, but Stefanski indicated that he is unlikely to play in Week 7.
Several other key Browns players are listed as questionable heading into the divisional matchup with the Bengals. Linebacker Jordan Hicks, center Ethan Pocic, and safety Juan Thornhill are all dealing with various ailments and will be game-time decisions.
Impact of Chubb’s Return
There’s no denying the significance of Chubb’s return for the Browns offense. Prior to his injury, the 27-year-old was widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier running backs, known for his rare combination of power, speed, and elusiveness.
In his last full season, Chubb rushed for 1,494 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 26 receptions for 171 yards and a score through the air. His presence not only provides a reliable workhorse in the backfield but also forces opposing defenses to respect the run, which can create more favorable matchups for Watson and the Browns’ talented receiving corps.
Nick Chubb is a special player, and having him back on the field is huge for our offense. He brings so much to the table, both as a runner and as a leader in the locker room.
– Browns offensive lineman Wyatt Teller
With Chubb in the fold, the Browns will look to establish a balanced offensive attack against a stingy Bengals defense that currently ranks among the league’s best in several statistical categories. If Chubb can recapture his pre-injury form and help open up the passing game for Watson and company, Cleveland’s offense could take a significant step forward in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
As the Browns prepare for their Week 7 clash with the Bengals, all eyes will be on Chubb and how he performs in his first game action in over a year. While expectations should be tempered given his lengthy layoff, the mere presence of the three-time 1,000-yard rusher in the backfield provides a psychological lift for a Cleveland team looking to make a statement in the competitive AFC North.
Beyond Sunday’s game, the Browns will hope that Chubb can remain healthy and continue to be a focal point of their offense as they navigate a challenging schedule in the weeks ahead. With matchups against the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills and the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs looming, having a fully operational Chubb could be the key to keeping Cleveland’s playoff hopes alive.
For now, though, the focus remains on the task at hand: welcoming back a franchise cornerstone and taking care of business against a divisional rival. If Chubb can hit the ground running and help lead the Browns to victory, it could be the spark that ignites a turnaround for a team still searching for its identity in the early stages of the 2024 campaign.
