Promising Injury Update on Cleveland Browns Running Back Nick Chubb

It appears Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb's injury on Monday Night Football wasn't as serious as initially feared. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the four-time Pro Bowler suffered a torn MCL in the Browns' 26-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and sports a projected recovery time of six to eight months.

Browns’ RB Nick Chubb is believed to have suffered only a torn MCL, per sources. His pre-surgery, projected recovery time is 6-8 months, per sources.https://t.co/4Kg7RGCUkL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2023

Chubb absorbed a blow to his left knee near the goal line from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick during Monday's game. Chubb's injury was grizzly enough that the Monday Night Football broadcast declined to show replays.

Given the mood around the organization at the time, Chubb avoiding a torn ACL, a major break, or even a total reconstruction of his knee is a huge win. His new timeline will certainly cost him the remainder of the 2023 season, but that was a given. His new diagnosis should allow him to return healthy for next year's training camp and position him for a productive 2024 season. He'll be in the final year of a three-year, $36.6 million extension.

As for the Browns, they'll still have to find some way to make do without Chubb for the rest of the season, which will be easier said than done. His absence clearly hindered the Browns throughout Monday night. Quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled, netting 210 passing yards on 46 dropbacks and absorbing six sacks. Worse yet, he committed three frustrating turnovers, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

If the Browns are going to be a competitive team this season, it will fall on Watson to step up. The former Houston Texan has been a resounding disappointment since the Browns controversially traded for him despite him facing dozens of sexual assault allegations. His 5.0 net yards per attempt, 168.8 net passing yards per game, and 10.8% sack rate through eight starts are all among the worst in football since 2022.

The Browns host the Tennessee Titans in Week 3.