CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns’ eminent running back, Nick Chubb is set for surgery following a severe left knee injury, signaling a challenging journey of recovery ahead for him. The unfortunate event occurred during Monday’s match against the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the conclusion of his season.
Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler in his six-year career, was injured during the second quarter when Steelers’ safety Minkah Fitzpatrick tackled him. The impact was on the same knee that Chubb injured and had reconstructed back in 2015 at Georgia.
The Browns’ coach, Kevin Stefanski, confirmed the end of Chubb’s season but did not elaborate on the injury’s specifics or the surgery’s timetable. Chubb, believed to have torn numerous ligaments, might seek multiple medical opinions before proceeding.
Stefanski expressed his disappointment over the loss of an integral player, believing in Chubb’s resilience, “He will bounce back. I have no doubt.”
In the wake of Chubb’s loss, the Browns have brought in former player Kareem Hunt for a visit and workout. Hunt had a four-year tenure with the Browns, ending on a sour note due to dissatisfaction with his contract. His knowledge of the Browns’ system could be beneficial if he’s signed. The Browns have a game against Tennessee on Sunday.
Stefanski acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of Chubb, stating that one person cannot fill the void left by a player of his caliber. He stated that the team is exploring options.
Chubb’s absence is a significant loss for the Browns (1-1), who revered him for his work ethic and professionalism. After Chubb’s injury, the Browns’ offense, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, faced challenges in the 26-22 loss, marking their 20th consecutive regular-season defeat in Pittsburgh.
However, Jerome Ford, the backup running back, shone through the gloomy evening. He will now assume Chubb’s role. The second-year running back from Cincinnati replaced Chubb, delivering a performance of 106 yards on 16 carries. Pierre Strong Jr. will now be next in line behind Ford.
Cleveland Browns’ Key Player Nick Chubb Incurs Major Knee Injury, Anticipated to Sit Out the Entire NFL Season
Nick Chubb is set for surgery, the eminent running back of the Cleveland Browns, has been a crucial part of the team for almost ten years. There is no player held in higher esteem in the locker room or more tenacious on the field. It was, therefore, a heartrending moment when Chubb was seen being rushed off the field in the second quarter of the 26-22 defeat to Pittsburgh on Monday night — his left knee grievously injured, his season abruptly ended.
Understanding Nick Chubb’s Injury
At 27, the four-time Pro Bowler has been a reliable presence for a team building its reputation as a consistent contender. His unfortunate sixth season in the NFL was cut short on the second play of the second quarter when Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers’ safety, executed a low tackle on Chubb at the end of a 5-yard run. Chubb’s knee gave way under him.
After the incident, as a teammate tried to help him up, Chubb indicated his inability to rise by shaking his head, all the while holding his injured left knee. He undid his chinstrap and lay on his side.
This is the second major injury to the same knee for Chubb; the first occurred in 2015 during his college days at Georgia — a dislocation with three torn ligaments. Like the first, the Monday night injury was excruciating to witness.
CBS Sports emphasized that ESPN initially chose not to rebroadcast the incident due to its severity. However, the audience’s shock was evident when the replay was shown on the jumbotron at Acrisure Stadium. The supportive crowd acknowledged Chubb with cheers as he was transported to the locker room.
Chubb lay on the ground for a considerable amount of time with his teammates congregating nearby for a prayer. He was later taken to a local hospital for a precautionary check-up, but he was on his way back to Cleveland when the Browns were wrapping up after yet another regular-season loss in Pittsburgh.
Browns’ Coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t have the complete details about Chubb’s injury but anticipates his absence for the rest of the season.
In a post-game interview, Garrett described the situation as a “huge setback for the entire team.”
“We have to push forward, that’s what he’d want,” Garrett stated. “And if he had any say in the situation, that’s what he would do. We just have to keep fighting and use this as a source of motivation.”
Recovery from such a publicly devastating injury will certainly be challenging. Prominent sports figures such as NBA player LeBron James and Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, have extended their support to Chubb via social media. Chubb, a native of Ohio, has experienced injury setbacks before, having missed half of his sophomore year due to an injury. Despite this, he demonstrated resilience, returning to achieve more than 1,000 yards of rushing in both 2016 and 2017. He was then selected in the second round by the Browns in 2018.
Throughout his career, he has averaged more than 1,250 yards of rushing per season. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his humility, serves as a model for the culture that Stefanski aims to cultivate in the locker room. Jerome Ford, who stepped in following Chubb’s exit, scored a touchdown and a 2-point conversion that gave the Browns an 11-7 advantage. Despite running for 106 yards and making three catches for 25 yards, it was insufficient to secure a win.
The Browns’ struggle to secure a win, especially on rival grounds, is a recurring theme. Alex Highsmith’s interception of a pass from DeShaun Watson led to a touchdown on the very first play. He later dispossessed Watson in the fourth quarter, which led to another touchdown by teammate T.J. Watt and thwarted Cleveland’s attempt to secure their first regular-season win at Pittsburgh since 2003.
Stefanski pointed out the difficulty of winning on the road, particularly when making mistakes. Cleveland currently stands at 1-1, with the season still long ahead. Chubb’s injury was a severe blow, and his exit left his teammates reeling. However, there’s no time to dwell on what happened. They must get ready for the upcoming game against Tennessee and follow Chubb’s example: eschew excuses and persevere. As Garrett expounded, Chubb is a man of action rather than words, and his unwavering commitment to the game is what they aim to embody in his absence.
