Nick Chubb injury update: Browns RB designated to return off IR from knee issue, has practice window opened

The Cleveland Browns are 1-3 to begin the season, but a much-needed spark is on the way. 

Running back Nick Chubb began the year on injured reserve, meaning he had to miss at least the season's first four games. He is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered early in the 2023 season.

Cleveland activated Chubb's window to return, so the running back should return to the team sometime in the next three weeks. Backup Jerome Ford has gotten plenty of work with Chubb sidelined, but the Browns' offense needs something to change before the season gets away.

The Sporting News brings you the latest updates on Chubb's return to the field. 

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Nick Chubb injury update

In his Monday press conference, head coach Kevin Stefanski said that Chubb was expected to be at practice on Wednesday.

"He's working very hard. Natural progression is for him to start practicing. He's ready to do that, and then we'll see how he goes from there. Really not focused much farther past Wednesday."

.@NickChubb is expected to return to practice this Wednesday pic.twitter.com/iNSvbyFr4E

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 30, 2024

Stefanski didn't expand on when Chubb would be hitting the field, but the fact that he is returning to practice is a good sign. This also means that his 21-day practice window will open, so sometime between now, Week 5 and Week 8, Chubb will have to be activated off of IR. 

Cleveland has opened the practice window for Chubb. That being said, reports suggest it will be a "slow build" for the running back so it isn't likely we see him suiting up in Week 5. 

The #Browns make it official, designating Nick Chubb to return off Injured Reserve. They did the same for Nyheim Hines and Michael Dunn, who will all return to practice.

It should be a slow build for Chubb.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2024

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How does returning from IR work?

When a player is added to injured reserve, they must be sidelined for at least four games.

A team can only return eight players from IR in the regular season. Bringing back Chubb would mean that the Browns would have seven other players they could return from injured reserve for the rest of the season unless they make the playoffs, in which they get an additional two.

When a player nears a return, the team will "open their practice window." This allows the player to return to practice but begins a 21-day time limit in which the player must be activated to the main roster. If he isn't, he goes back on IR, but the move is season-ending.

Chubb, for example, could have his practice window opened on Wednesday as is expected and play in Cleveland's Week 5 game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday if he is deemed healthy enough and ready. If not, he must be activated ahead of their Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens. 

MORE: Amari Cooper's drops sink Browns' chances of Week 4 win vs. Raiders

Browns RB Depth chart

Nick Chubb

Chubb was a second round pick by Cleveland in 2018. He is an excellent dual-threat running back, the perfect blend of strength and speed. Chubb can break off long runs, bulldoze defenders in the redzone, and use his hands to be an effective receiver. When he is healthy, he is the RB1 for the Browns and leaves big shoes to fill when he is sidelined. 

Jerome Ford

Ford was a fifth-round draft pick in 2022. He wasn't used much as a rookie but was forced into the spotlight when Chubb got hurt in 2023. Ford played well but wasn't able to replicate Chubb's numbers. He has served as the starter so far in 2024, but figures to resume his role as a backup when Chubb returns.

Nyheim Hines

Hines is playing in his sixth NFL season but missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury suffered in the offseason. He is more of a receiving running back, but also gets worked in on special teams. Hines last played for the Buffalo Bills in 2022 after being traded there from the Indianapolis Colts.

D'Onta Foreman

The Browns signed Foreman for depth with the likelihood that Chubb would miss the start of the season. It wouldn't be surprising if he, Pierre Strong Jr., or Gary Brightwell end up being waived to make the roster spot for Chubb's return. Foreman has played for a different team in each of the last four seasons, with the most recent being the Chicago Bears in 2023. 

Pierre Strong Jr.

Strong was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022 but was traded to Cleveland ahead of the 2023 season. Like Hines, he also has a special teams role, and his impact doesn't always show up on the box score.

Gary Brightwell

Brightwell may be a recognizable name because he was on the committee of running backs that would try to fill in for the injured Saquon Barkley when he was with the New York Giants. He was a sixth-round draft pick in 2021 by 
New York. Brightwell spent the 2024 preseason with the Jacksonville Jaguars but didn't make it past roster cuts. He signed with Cleveland a few days later.