Report: Browns Nick Chubb May Have Only Torn MCL
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As first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb may received promising news regarding the health of his knee. While Chubb is definitely out for the season, there is a belief that he could be ready for the start of the 2024.
There is a belief that Chubb may have only torn his MCL along with dislocating his kneecap. Not good, the initial belief was that he tore multiple ligaments in his knee, which would make it more like the horrible knee injury he suffered at the University of Georgia.
There, his ACL remained intact, but he dislocated the kneecap, tore his MCL, PCL and LCL with some speculating that his career would be over. After the initial hit against the Pittsburgh Steelers, there were plenty worried that it might be his final carry in the NFL.
Chubb's ACL might have suffered damage, but it's believed not to have been torn. Simply stretched.
If this all proves to be true, Chubb's recovery time will be shortened, believed to be six to eight months. Eight months would be July meaning that Chubb could be ready for training camp in 2024.
The implications are significant. First, they could have their best offensive player back on offense. Second, it means the Browns are likely to keep him, which means he will get the last year of his contract.
To this point, the Browns have been steadfast in their willingness to keep Chubb through 2024, the final year of his contract. Had the injury been worse and the Browns had decided to move on, it would save them $11.775 million next year as well as $425,000 in game bonuses. Now, he's got a good shot of getting it.
The trend with running backs, the NFL has been cut throat with the running back position, unwilling to pay out significant contracts in terms of money or years. With few exceptions, they are paid for their rookie deal and then year to year.
Chubb is one of the last ones with a long term deal, a status of which he is well aware. He participated in the running back call that happened in this offseason and while he is grateful for the Browns, he had noted he could be next.
For now, there is hope that Chubb avoided the catastrophic injury everyone feared initially.
