Browns RB Nick Chubb to begin load running in April

The superstar running back is slowly but surely making his way back to the field.

After a second surgery on his torn MCL and ACL suffered in Week 2, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is set to begin load running in April.

While the Browns have commended Chubb on his recovery and rehab process, they are not willing to give a timeframe on his return to the field yet. Head coach Kevin Stefanski stated his excitement for Chubb at the NFL owner’s meeting when speaking to the media, but said it’s still too early in the process to give a definitive answer:

“We’ll work through it. I’m excited for Nick. He’s doing a great job with his rehab as everybody can imagine, so we’ll just make sure that we continue to make decisions based on him and the medical staff. But excited about Nick.”

General manager and executive vice president Andrew Berry added that his next three months will be telling on just how soon Chubb can get back on the field:

“The next call it three months will be pretty telling in terms of his potential readiness for early in the season. We’re going to be conservative in terms of our approach in our assessment with building the roster because he’s coming off of a major knee injury.”

The Browns have gone out of their way to add depth to the running back position this offseason after the struggles of their run game a year ago in Chubb’s absence. They have signed D’Onta Foreman, the likely frontrunner for the bulk of carries if Chubb is not ready by Week 1, and Nyheim Hines, who will see the field in passing situations and as a returnman for the Browns.

Chubb has been nothing but superhuman in his tenure with the Browns, and he gets the right to prove he can once again be just that. And the Browns are giving him that chance after wild speculation they could move off of their superstar running back this offseason.

His first carry back on the field will be an electric one.

A look at Browns’ current roster before NFL free agency opens up

Here is what the Browns’ roster currently looks like before they add new faces to their roster in NFL free agency.


The Cleveland Browns are set to get to work next week as NFL free agency opens up.

They have already restructured one contract in cornerback Denzel Ward to make $11 million in cap space available, and it will surely not be the last one they mess around with as the Browns will have plenty of money to spend when free agency finally arrives. They also have seven draft picks, so the opportunity to add talent to the roster is not lost on the Browns despite what ill-advised think pieces might be on the internet.

They do, however, have needs at multiple positions on the roster. Defensive tackle is a massive one, as only Dalvin Tomlinson played meaningful snaps of the four currently under contract. Wide receiver will also be upgraded, likely through both free agency and the 2024 NFL draft.

Before free agency hits, however, here are the current 50 players under contract with 40 spots left to fill before training camp begins.

No, it isn’t likely that the Browns will cut RB Nick Chubb

It would be a surprise if Chubb isn’t in Cleveland next season

With the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror, we are officially in the hot-take season as sports media search for narratives until free agency starts next month.

Teams have started to look for ways to add salary cap space, and looking at the Cleveland Browns payroll for 2024, running back Nick Chubb’s contract stands out. Chubb is entering the final year of his contract, and his cap number is $15.825 million. Some are suggesting he has played his last snap in a Cleveland Browns uniform.

This just doesn’t make sense to me when you look at GM Andrew Berry’s history as a general manager and his ability to manage the salary cap. There isn’t a team in the league that has spent more cash than the Browns as the team uses void years and rollover cap to manage their overall cap hit.

Owner Jimmy Haslam is willing to pay whatever for wins despite his flaws, which is a very sustainable model. With all that said, there is no reason to think Berry will not find a way to restructure Chubb’s contract to make it work for both parties.

Chubb is returning from a terrible knee injury that required two surgeries, so the hesitance to pay him potentially top dollar makes sense. However, the team isn’t better without him on the roster even 85% of what he has been in the past is better than most backs at 100% across the league.

In the end, the team likely won’t bring him back on his current contract but will find a better deal that works for both sides.

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Browns: Kevin Stefanski shares some positive news about Nick Chubb’s rehab

Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski gives positive update on Nick Chubb’s knee injury

The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their season over the weekend. After a deflating loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday the team wrapped up their season by speaking to the media on Sunday. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about the status of Nick Chubb before leaving. Stefanski told reporters,

“I don’t have an update other than to say he’s doing great, he’s progressing. He’s doing everything he’s supposed to do, if not more so. We’ll see how it goes.”

Nick Chubb suffered a traumatic knee injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week two of the NFL season, nearly four months ago. Chubb suffered an MCL and ACL tear and required multiple surgeries over the following months. Chubb finished the season with 170 yards on a measly 28 carries.

The city last saw Chubb in December when the running back was the ceremonial guitar smasher during the primetime game against the New York Jets. Chubb, dawned in a Batman mask, took his first steps in Cleveland Browns Stadium since his injury.

Chubb took up Batman as part of his persona following a devastating knee injury he suffered as a sophomore in college. Chubb connected to Christian Bale’s Batman rehabbing from a broken back. It helped motivate him during his rehab.

Chubb is a monster on and off the field. His workouts are legendary and it’s no surprise that he’s attacking his rehab with the same tenacity. The Browns need Chubb back next season. He’s the best running back in the NFL and the engine of the team’s offense. Hopefully, we’ll get more updates on Chubb’s successful rehab over the next few months.

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Six points with David Dorey

Looking at the 2024 free agent running backs

So here we are on the brink of fantasy championships for one person in every league. But next year should already be in your head. The changes from season to the next can be dramatic, even if we draft like the previous season is going to repeat.

Like every year, plenty of fantasy starters were left behind during the season. Here are my top six injured players and what to think about them entering next season. I have excluded quarterbacks who all appear likely to return healthy for next year. Those include Justin Herbert, Kirk Cousins, Joe Burrow, and Deshaun Watson.

  1. TE Mark Andrews (BAL) 2023 ADP = No. 2 TE, Pick 4.03
     Suffered a cracked fibula and ankle ligament injury in Week 11 thanks to a hip-drop tackle. He is expected to be healed early enough to potentially join the Ravens in the playoffs. He is not returning for the regular season but will be assessed later for a potential return in late January. That’s great news for a tight end that’s become Top-2 when healthy.
  2. RB Nick Chubb (CLE) 2023 ADP = No. 5 TE , Pick 1.11
    The star running back suffered a gruesome knee injury in Week 2. He tore his ACL , MCL, and meniscus. He needed surgery for the MCL and meniscus and a separate procedure to repair the ACL. He is expected to return “during the 2024 season.” Doctors say that he has extensive rehab to go through, but so far, the surgeries are over, and he’s progressing according to play. He was injured so early in the season, that he’ll have plenty of rehab by the opening of the 2024 NFL season. He’ll likely open the year on IR and be a high risk/high reward draft pick.
  3. TE T.J. Hockenson (MIN) 2023 ADP = No. 3 TE, Pick 4.12
    He just tore his MCL and ACL last week when he was hit low by a defender. The injury is fresh enough that his prognosis and recovery are still in progress but the injury was severe enough that it’s reasonable to assume he will not be ready for the start of the 2024 season with only about eight months to heal. He’ll be another elite player who won’t show up until later in the season and present a risky pick that can win – or lose – your league.
  4. Christian Kirk (JAC) 2023 ADP = No. 28 WR, Pick 4.09
    The Jaguars wideout was lost in Week 13 when he suffered a core muscle injury in Week 13. He was placed on injured reserve and required surgery, which will keep him out even if the Jaguars made a deep run in the playoffs. Kirk’s situation becomes further complicated because he’s owed $24 million next year, but the Jags have an out they can take in the offseason. He may end up re-signing on a restructured deal or could be released.
  5. WR Mike Williams (LAC) 2023 ADP= No. 26 WR, Pick 5.03
    The Chargers wideout tore his ACL in Week 3 after rolling up 110 yards and a score on the Vikings. He was placed on injured reserve and underwent surgery to repair the knee. He is expected back next season, but he, too, has his situation complicated by his contract. He’ll turn 30 next year and has been often dinged up in his seven-year career. He is due $20 million next year, but the Chargers have an out they can use in the offseason. He is another player that will either restructure his contract or be released. 
  6. WR Tank Dell (HOU) 2023 ADP = NA, Free Agent
    The Texan’s third-round pick was just a 5-10, 165-pound wideout who carried minimal expectations as a rookie, but he was on a pace to end with a stat line of 80-1205-12 but broke his fibula while blocking in Week 12. He underwent surgery but is expected to return sometime during the Texans’ offseason program. He should rebound 100% from the injury and merit drafting as a fantasy starter.

 

About Last Night…

New York Jets 20, Cleveland 37 

Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

As we all know, Thursday night games are sloppy and low-scoring. Two of the best defenses were meeting and both teams were on their third quarterback of the year. So naturally, they throw down 57 total points.

Trevor Siemian passed for 261 yards and one touchdown to Breece Hall who caught nine passes for 42 yards. Garrett Wilson (5-50) and Tyler Conklin (5-45) were the top receivers. Hall rushed for 84 yards on 13 rushes but the Jets had to abandon the run when they trailed 34-17 at halftime. 

Joe Flacco was without Amari Cooper, so expectations were even lower going against the No. 2 defense versus quarterbacks. And so he threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns. David Njoku (6-134) had a monster performance and Elijah Moore (5-61, TD) scored before leaving with a concussion. Jerome Ford blew up with 12 runs for 64 yards and two catches for 57 yards – both touchdowns. Kareem Hunt (10-31, TD) took the rushing score.

Both teams returned an interception for a touchdown. But this game only furthers the question – why was Joe Flacco sitting at home until Week 13?

WATCH: Nick Chubb returns in Batman mask as Dawg Pound Captain before Browns vs. Jets

Who better to get Cleveland Browns Stadium ignited than their superstar running back?

Cleveland Browns Stadium is on fire before their Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets. And it got even louder as running back Nick Chubb returned as the Dawg Pound Captain to smash the ceremonial guitar pregame.

With a chance to clinch a spot in the playoffs tonight against the Jets, the Browns are pulling out all the stops to get the stadium as loud as possible. Chubb, who suffered a gruesome season-ending injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a fan favorite and did his best to put on a show.

As he got set to smash the ceremonial guitar as the Dawg Pound Captain, Chubb lived up to his nickname. Pulling out the Batman mask, Chubb ignited Cleveland Browns Stadium as he smashed the guitar to smithereens.

Can the Browns get it done and clinch their first playoff berth since 2020 in front of their home crowd?

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Kevin Stefanski of the Browns is a legitimate Coach of the Year candidate

Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns deserves serious consideration for NFL Coach of the Year.

When considering the NFL’s Coach of the Year candidate, voters (and I’m honored to be one) will often consider the head coach who has done the most with the most adversity. At this point, you have to consider the case of Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.

After their 20-17 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the Browns are 9-5, right on the heels of the Baltimore Ravens for command of the AFC South. And they’ve done this with a ridiculous number of injuries — right now, a full 25.8% of the team’s salary cap is on injured reserve, the highest such rate in the NFL. That includes alleged franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, and running back Nick Chubb, the team’s best offensive player. The Browns’ walking wounded has also included large parts of their offensive and defensive lines and secondary,

With Joe Flacco, who Stefanski picked up off the couch a couple weeks ago, the Browns are now on their fourth quarterback this season. But on both sides of the ball, Stefanski (the primary offensive shot-caller) and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz have done everything possible to maintain excellence. Coming into Sunday’s win, the Browns ranked 12th overall in DVOA — first on defense, and 28th on offense. But in the second half of the season, once Flacco became The Guy, they’ve risen from 28th to 21st with a bullet.

Moreover, Stefanski and his crew are pulling wins out of the most improbable situations — that includes the Bears victory, because Cleveland was down 17-7 nearly all the way through the third quarter.

The Browns finish their 2023 regular season with games against the Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Cincinnati Bengals, which gives them a very good chance of a double digit-win season. And if that’s the case, Stefanski could get a whole lot of votes for Coach of the Year.

He’ll certainly have my consideration.

Nick Chubb gets standing ovation at Cleveland Browns Stadium

The Browns had Nick Chubb return home for their matchup against the Steelers, and he got a ton of love.

The Cleveland Browns are looking to win their fifth game in their last six outings as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at home. Looking for a boost, the Browns got running back Nick Chubb back in the building, and the home crowd at Cleveland Browns Stadium gave their star player a massive ovation.

Chubb, of course, suffered a torn MCL and ACL in the Week 2 loss to the Steelers. He has had two surgeries since the injury but made the trip back to Cleveland to show his love for his teammates and the hometown crowd.

Looking to advance to 7-3 on the season with the chance to lock in a high probability to make the playoffs, having the beloved Chubb back in the building will give them a boost. Can the Browns pull off another gritty win without their starting quarterback and with rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center?

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5 things we learned about the Browns through the first four games

As we sit through the bye week at the quarter-mark of the season, what have we learned about this football team?

We have reached the quarter-mark of the 2023 season as the Cleveland Browns sit with a 2-2 record. They have looked elite at times, and other times they have looked helpless as they are a hard team to pin down thus far through the season as they work through their bye week. Their defense says they are Super Bowl contenders while their offense and quarterback Deshaun Watson are struggling through a bit of Jekyll and Hyde inconsistencies.

The bye week might have come at the perfect time for this football team before they take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6. The bye week gives us a second to break down and level set what we have seen to this point from the Browns as well; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

What have we learned about these Browns through the first quarter of the season as they take the week to recover before preparing for the 49ers?

Kevin Stefanski classily drove out to the home of injured Nick Chubb to deliver a game ball

We’re not crying. You’re crying!

In a very classy move, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski drove out to running back Nick Chubb’s house after the Browns beat the Titans on Sunday to deliver a game ball.

Chubb, who is out for the season after a severe knee injury, missed Sunday’s 27-3 rout. To be clear, the Browns throttled the Titans. The Titans only had 94 yards of total offense, and the team’s offensive line gave up five back-breaking sacks, including 3.5 sacks to Myles Garrett.

After the game, Stefanski addressed the locker room, saying, “The guy that we don’t have right this minute with us — but he’s always with us — is number 24. He’s getting this game ball because he’s so important to this team.”

Then, Stefanski kept his word by driving the ball to Chubb’s house, according to cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.

When asked about Stefanski’s classy gesture, Browns safety Juan Thornhill took a moment to appreciate his head coach.

“It was pretty cool that coach actually kept Nick [Chubb] in his thoughts and gave him that game ball,” Thornhill said.

You love to see it.

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