Nick Chubb’s long-term future with the Cleveland Browns is in question after an injury-riddled 2023 season. The star running back’s season ended prematurely as he had to go under the knife after tearing his ACL and MCL against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, although that didn’t stop the Cleveland Browns from making it to the NFL playoffs with an 11-6 record.
Chubb is expected to be back on the field for the Cleveland Browns at some point next season, but his timeline for his return remains uncertain. And if reports are to be believed, Cleveland Browns fans might have to brace for the worst regarding Chubb.
What was said about Nick Chubb?
Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com provided a worrying update about Nick Chubb during his Q&A on Friday, saying that Nick Chubb might never look the same after the gruesome injuries that he suffered.
“It’s doubtful Chubb will be ready for the start of the season. He had two major knee surgeries within three months,” said Pluto in his mailbag article. “I hope he plays some in 2024. We probably won’t see the best of the post-surgery Chubb until 2025.”
No surprises here since the knee that he injured in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers was the same one he injured when he was playing for Georgia in 2015. And because he just turned 28 last December, he is already considered “getting old” by NFL running back standards.
To his credit, though, Nick Chubb has been attacking his rehab head-on since he was seen in the gym lifting weights in October, even before his ACL surgery.
Nick Chubb has become one of the best running backs in the league since the Cleveland Browns selected him as a second-round pick in the 2018 draft. Through six seasons, the four-time Pro Bowler has amassed 6,511 rushing yards and 48 rushing touchdowns for an average of 5.3 yards per carry.
Should the Cleveland Browns consider cutting Nick Chubb?
By the time the 2024 season arrives, Nick Chubb will be in the last year of his deal, with the Cleveland Browns owing him $15.8 million. If the Cleveland Browns feel that keeping Chubb is a huge risk, then they may decide to cut him since doing so would just eat $4 million in dead cap.
While they’ve managed to finish 12th in the NFL in rushing during the 2023 season with Kareem Hunt leading the way, waiving Nick Chubb will surely make a lot of Cleveland Browns supporters mad since he has been one of the best offensive players that they’ve had in a while.