Is Nick Chubb playing this week? Latest news, injury updates on Browns RB's status for Week 5 vs. Commanders

Daniel Chavkin

Is Nick Chubb playing this week? Latest news, injury updates on Browns RB's status for Week 5 vs. Commanders image

Browns running back Nick Chubb hasn’t played in a game since last year, when he suffered a gruesome leg injury against the Steelers last September.

Before the 2024 season began, the Browns placed Chubb on the PUP list, meaning the veteran had to miss at least the first four games of this year as well.

The Cleveland running back took a big step forward in his rehab this week. But when will he be ready to return to game action? Sporting News breaks down his status and the Browns' depth chart.

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Is Nick Chubb playing this week?

Even though Chubb is ready to practice, that doesn't mean he will play when the Browns face the Commanders on Sunday.

By designating Chubb to return to practice this week, the Browns now have 21 days to activate Chubb to the 53-man roster. Therefore, they don't have to activate Chubb until their Week 8 matchup against the Ravens.

If the Browns don't activate Chubb by then, then they would have to leave him on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Of course, Cleveland can activate Chubb sooner than Week 8, but considering the nature of the injury, the Browns will probably take it slow with their star running back.

Nick Chubb injury update

The Browns (1-3) designated Chubb to return to practice this week, and the running back was able to rejoin his team on the field for the first time this season — but that does not mean he is prepared for a full return from his knee injury.

While the 28-year-old is still not ready to play in a game, this development is a good sign for his status moving forward.

“It felt good," Chubb said Thursday, via ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. "I've been doing things on my own for a while now, so I've been used to everything I've done out there. It feels good.”

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Browns RB depth chart

With Chubb still not ready to play in a game, the Browns depth chart vs. Washington will be similar to what it has been for the first four weeks of the season.

RankPlayer
1.Jerome Ford
2. D'Onta Foreman
3.Pierre Strong Jr.

1. Jerome Ford

Ford is still leading the way as Cleveland's lead back while Chubb is out. The 25-year-old has played in all four games for the Browns this year, starting three, and accumulating 39 carries for 203 rushing yards and one touchdown.

2. D'Onta Foreman

Foreman's role in the Browns' offense has increased over the first four weeks, which included starting last week over Ford against the Raiders. Still, Foreman only had four carries for two yards in Las Vegas, and has a total of 20 carries for 49 yards this year.

3. Pierre Strong Jr.

While Strong began the season as Ford's primary backup, Foreman seems to have passed him on the depth chart. Strong has just three carries for five yards on the season so far.

Nick Chubb fantasy football outlook

Chubb is not a fantasy option for the next few weeks as he gets acclimated back in practice. But once he does return, he should regain his spot atop the Browns running back depth chart.

While Ford has done a solid job in Chubb's absence, Chubb remains Cleveland's best backfield option if healthy.

Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin Photo

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.