Nick Chubb Injury Devastates Browns Run Game
The Cleveland Browns were dealt a massive blow in their Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys with the injury to star running back Nick Chubb. On a second quarter rush, Chubb was tackled from behind and his right leg got twisted awkwardly under the pile. He immediately grabbed his knee in pain and had to be helped off the field by trainers.
Initial tests after the game revealed that Chubb suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee. While not as serious as an ACL tear, the injury is still expected to sideline Chubb for 4-6 weeks. This is devastating news for the Browns who rely heavily on their running game with Chubb as the focal point. Through the first 3 games of the season, Chubb was leading the NFL in rushing with 361 yards and 4 touchdowns on 58 carries, averaging over 6 yards per attempt.
Without Chubb in the backfield, the Browns will now turn to backup Kareem Hunt to shoulder the rushing load. While Hunt is more than capable as a former rushing champion himself, he is not the same physical bruiser that Chubb is. Hunt is better suited for a 1B role in a tandem rather than being an every down bell cow back. Cleveland will also have to rely more on D'Ernest Johnson and Dontrell Hilliard to pick up some of Chubb's carries in committee.
Losing Chubb for any amount of time is a major setback for the Browns offense. With an inconsistent Baker Mayfield at quarterback, Cleveland finds its identity by controlling the clock and tempo on the ground. Chubb's blend of power, speed, and elusiveness made him one of the NFL's most dangerous runners. It will be difficult for Hunt or the backups to replicate Chubb's production both in terms of yards and as a physical presence.
The Browns schedule does not get any easier over the next month with upcoming games against the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders - all top 10 rushing defenses so far this season. Without Chubb to lean on, Cleveland's offense may really struggle during his absence. They will need Hunt to step up big and Mayfield to make more plays through the air.
If there is any silver lining, it is that the sprained MCL injury gives Chubb a chance to return within a month or so. An ACL tear would have likely ended his season. Browns fans will be hoping he can make it back sooner rather than later to help salvage their playoff hopes. But for now, Cleveland will be trying to stay afloat without their star workhorse back.