Nick Chubb injury update: Browns get major news on RB ahead of Week 4 fantasy football

Nick Chubb's latest injury update will serve as a shot in the arm for the Cleveland Browns with the franchise sorely missing the services of their lead running back. Chubb was placed on Injured Reserve to start the year owing to an ACL injury but according to ESPN, the franchise was expected to open the practice window on Chubb this week. The Browns running back has been out of action since suffering an ACL injury in early last year.

Cleveland Browns Mandatory Minicamp - Source: Getty

When is Nick Chubb expected to return?

If, like ESPN reports, the Browns open the practice window for Chubb, per NFL rules, he will be eligible to return to action within the next three weeks. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot noted that "there seems to be some sentiment for that happening."

However, if Browns fans expect Chubb to be their savior, expectations must be tempered given the fact that Chubb suffered a torn MCL, meniscus, medial capsule and ACL last year. The recovery has been a long process and Browns fans were hyped up after seeing their star running back sign autographs two weeks ago.

It's also possible that the Browns have him on a snap count when he's back to ease his return to action.

If the franchise opens his practice window this week, he will be eligibile to return to action against the Washington Commanders, but at this point, there has been no indication that the Browns will hasten Chubb's return to the field.

ESPN's report further added that Chubb is "ahead of where many expected him to be at this point in his recovery."

It should also be noted that the Browns have a bye week in Week 10 and their schedule after the bye week is a pretty challenging one. They will face all of the Chiefs (Week 15), Bengals (Week 16), Dolphins (Week 17) and Ravens (Week 18) to close out the regular season. It's more than likely Chubb will be back to contribute in those games provided there are no further setbacks.

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Exploring Browns depth chart with Nick Chubb out injured

In Chubb's absence, the Browns have relied on Jerome Ford to lead the backfield but over the weeks, we've seen D'Onta Foreman have more valuable contributions on the field. The Browns also have Gary Brightwell on the depth chart but expect to see the franchise continue to split the reps between Ford and Foreman with Chubb still out of action.