Browns' Nick Chubb taking knee rehab 'day by day,' says hit by Minkah Fitzpatrick 'part of the game'

Nick Chubb is trying to look at the bright side of things, doing so with patience and perspective.

The Cleveland Browns running back, who is attempting yet another comeback from a vicious knee injury, doesn’t know exactly when he’ll return to the field. He still has a long way to go in his rehabilitation. But Chubb said he’s nonetheless happy with the progress he has made so far following his season-ending Week 2 injury last year.

“Every day, I’m improving, focusing on one day at a time, and getting stronger,” Chubb communicated to the press on Wednesday during his initial news conference since his injury last September. “At the moment, my main goal is to build strength,” he added.

I am content with my current position. I believe I am exactly where I need to be. My primary focus is on improving myself daily.

The Browns admitted as recently as late March that they weren’t sure in what kind of condition Chubb might physically be over the coming months. Chubb himself admitted that it hasn’t been until recently that he’s been able to really crank it up.

“He expressed, “I was struggling in September. In fact, it was only recently that I started to regain my mobility. So, it feels great now to have the ability to move around freely.”

Chubb refrained from putting a date on his return, as he didn’t want to overestimate his progress. He is adopting the metaphorical day-to-day approach towards his comeback.

“Chubb said, “I’m not looking too far into the future. I’m simply taking things one day at a time. Today is Wednesday, and my goal was to improve today. That’s my entire mindset.”

But Chubb did look back at the play in question that caused the injury and said he casts no bitterness or blame toward the Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick. Chubb said Fitzpatrick approached him on the field following the hit and said he didn’t mean to hurt him.

“Chubb stated, “I don’t believe it was a dirty hit at all. I’m not pointing fingers at Fitzpatrick. It’s a part of the game.”

The Browns reworked Chubb’s deal to keep him in the fold for 2024. Although his new contract is more incentive-laden and reflective of the risk that comes with having a 28-year-old back who also suffered a major knee injury in college and who has averaged 16.1 carries per game over a six-year NFL career.

In 2022, Chubb achieved career highs with 302 rushing attempts and 1,525 rushing yards, matching his career-best with 12 touchdowns. However, his time on the field was significantly shortened the following season, as he was only able to participate in two games before being taken off the field on a cart during the second quarter of a critical Monday night game. During those two games, he managed to run 170 yards on 28 carries and made four catches for 21 yards.

The four-time Pro Bowl running back confessed that “not being able to play the game with your guys” was challenging. However, he expressed gratitude towards the Browns for their continued support following his devastating setback.

“Without a doubt, it’s a blessing,” he expressed. “They could have easily abandoned me, but they did an excellent job instead. I have a desire to stay here in Cleveland – they’re aware of that – so we reached a good agreement.”

Is a Week 1 return possible? No one yet knows, but what a story it would make. It’s already set to be a high-energy atmosphere at Cleveland Browns Stadium on the opening Sunday of the 2024 NFL season, hosting the Dallas Cowboys in what’s expected to be Tom Brady’s debut as a play-by-play analyst for FOX Sports.

Witnessing Chubb burst out of the tunnel before a game, regardless if it’s Week 1 or later, could potentially bring the crowd to its feet. Chubb is adored by Browns fans, and it seems the affection is reciprocated.

“He expressed, “Playing this game is truly a blessing. One must never assume it as guaranteed because a single play can change everything. I consider myself fortunate to have such tremendous support in Cleveland, from the fans to my friends and family. They all contribute to my morale and keep me motivated.”