The Browns discuss Nick Chubb’s future with the team following knee surgery.

With running back Nick Chubb, the Cleveland Browns may need to make a difficult choice.

After Nick Chubb suffered a devastating knee injury, the Cleveland Browns may have to make a difficult choice about his future with the team, but they aren’t quite ready to discuss it yet.

Chubb suffered an injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers that required the repair of both his MCL and ACL.
Chubb has already undergone MCL surgery, and an ACL procedure will follow soon.
Despite not knowing the exact date, the Browns anticipate his return at some point in the 2024 campaign.

It puts the Browns in a unique situation with Chubb, who will have the third-highest cap hit in the league next season at $16 million. Deshaun Watson’s $64 million cap hit is a major reason why the Browns are expected to have a cap problem the following season, so Cleveland will need to find ways to save money.
The Browns could choose to renegotiate Chubb’s contract or simply release him for just $4 million in dead money.

When questioned about Chubb’s employment status with the Browns, general manager Andrew Berry chose to concentrate more on the health of his running back.

“With Nick, our main concern is making sure he has the support and resources he needs to be as healthy as possible during this initial stage of his rehabilitation.
When he recovers from this, we want him to get off to a strong start so he can be the Nick Chubb we’re used to seeing,” Berry said on Wednesday, October 4.
In terms of all the other things, I won’t bet against Nick Chubb.
Sincerity dictates that the season and his health come first.
Although discussing and figuring out those issues will have plenty of time, the current focus is really not on those issues.
“.

Without Nick Chubb, the Browns’ rushing attack has trouble.

The Browns’ usually reliable running game has been ineffective without Chubb. The team had faith in Jerome Ford to step into the lead running back position, but he hasn’t yet shown that he can handle those responsibilities.

Ford has only amassed 44 rushing yards in two starts, averaging just 2 point 3 yards per carry.
His season average of 3.7 yards per carry was boosted by a 69-yard run against the Pittsburgh Steelers after Chubb was injured.

However, the Browns have been complimentary of Ford and the skill set he brings to the table.

Berry remarked that the man’s strength and speed were real assets.
In the passing game, he makes a significant contribution as well.
Against Tennessee, we witnessed that.
That was demonstrated in the screen and check-down game.
However, we believe Jerome’s capacity to actually divide up and run routes is something that is fairly rare.
“.

Kareem Hunt was added by the Browns to the running back room shortly after Chubb was injured, but he hasn’t yet found his groove.
Only 10 carries totaling 25 yards have been made by him so far this year.

The Browns must look into trading for a new running back.

Without injured Watson, the Browns lost to the Baltimore Ravens 28-3 as they entered their bye week.
Lacking any support for rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was the ground game, which was conspicuously absent.

The Browns are likely to spend their bye week looking into ways to enhance their running game.
Trading for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who recently was taken off the PUP list and has been battling for a new contract, would be a bold move.

Berry made an effort to dispel any rumors that the Browns were genuinely interested in improving their running back room.

We’re constantly looking for opportunities and engaging in the trade market, as you guys have heard me say before, Berry said.
“However, I’d say we’re happy with the running back room.
“.

Last season, Taylor managed 861 yards in 11 games after leading the league in 2021 in both rushing yards and touchdowns.