Latest update on Nick Chubb’s recovery proves Browns RB is not human

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb seemed poised for another Pro Bowl campaign in 2023. Through five quarters of football, the four-time Pro Bowl running back had already recorded 28 carries for 170 rushing yards — a staggering 6.07 yards per carry average.

Then, in the second quarter of a Week 2 divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb suffered a gruesome injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. It was later revealed that the 28-year-old running back would require two separate surgeries to repair his ACL, MCL, and meniscus.

For most running backs, the injury would be career-threatening, and Chubb was even considered to be in danger of becoming a cap casualty this offseason. But, as he's done before, Chubb is proving that the injury won't define the rest of his career.

Nick Chubb seems to be back at full strength

Just eight months after undergoing surgery for the devastating knee injury, Chubb seems to already back at full strength. A recent video shows Chubb squatting enough weight to make the barbell bend.

For Chubb, battling back from a catastrophic knee injury is nothing new. Chubb previously tore the PCL, MCL and LCL in his left knee during his collegiate career at Georgia — the same knee he injured in 2023. For any other player, an injury like that may have been enough to derail their career, but for Chubb, it was merely a setback.

The 28-year-old is heading into the final season of a three-year contract. Chubb agreed to take a significant pay cut to remain with Cleveland this season. He can still earn most of the salary from his original deal by hitting incentives that are based on his prior level of production.

Chubb has been the heart and soul of the Browns' ground-and-pound offense since being drafted with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. In his six years in the league, Chubb has amassed 7,522 scrimmage yards and 52 touchdowns in 77 games. In 2022, he was named a second-team All-Pro after logging career-highs in carries (302), rushing yards (1,525), and touchdowns (12).

Cleveland still managed to finish the season with an 11-6 record and clinched a postseason berth, despite their lowest rushing yardage (2,017) since 2019. The Browns ultimately suffered a 45-14 loss against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round.