The Cleveland Browns will receive an infusion of positivity this Wednesday on the practice field, as one of their best and most respected leaders is set to return.
Sources say Nick Chubb, who is on the team's physically unable to perform list while recovering from a multi-ligament knee injury suffered in Week 2 of last season, will have his practice window opened this coming Wednesday. The Pro Bowler is not expected to play in Cleveland's Week 5 game against the Commanders, but the team opening his three-week window will be a significant sign that he is set to return midseason as Chubb and the Browns had hoped.
Following the end of Week 4 on Monday, teams will be allowed to bring players back off the PUP list, injured reserve, or the non-football injury list. There are some significant names expected back at practice this coming week. None bigger than Chubb.
Players are allowed to practice for three weeks while on the PUP list before they must be added to the active roster, and Chubb’s return could take some time. When he last spoke with reporters in June, Chubb said, “I like where I'm at. I'm where I need to be. I would say that the biggest thing for me is getting better every day."
And after two surgeries to repair a torn ACL, meniscus and other issues, Chubb returning to practice will be a great sign that a full recovery is possible. Chubb has stayed around the team and trained with the hope of getting to where he is now.
The team and Chubb’s agents renegotiated his contract in April to reflect the uncertainty with his knee. His base salary was lowered, but Chubb has the ability to earn his previous base of $11.775 million back in incentives.
Most importantly, it will be a huge lift for the Browns to get one of their stars back.
Other players expected back on the practice field this week:
- Kansas City Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire: The former first-rounder is set to return from the non-football illness list this week, sources say. With Isiah Pacheco out for several weeks after breaking his fibula, Edwards-Helaire’s return looms large. Depth at running back has been an issue for the Chiefs, but having Edwards-Helaire back on the practice field this week should help.
- Miami Dolphins WR Odell Beckham: Beckham did not take part in training camp and began the year on the PUP list after recovering from a procedure. The plan has been to open his practice window this week, sources tell colleague Tom Pelissero, but things remain fluid and his return timeline is to be determined.
- New England Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne: The Patriots could use a little juice in the receiving room, and Bourne should provide it. Coming off an ACL tear from last October, he’ll now have his practice window opened and potentially add another weapon sooner rather than later.
- New Orleans Saints RB Kendre Miller: The Saints' young running back has battled injuries for the last two seasons, but the hope now is he’s back on the practice field to begin working his way back. He missed most of camp with a hamstring injury, but is ready to add depth and potentially more in New Orleans.
- Los Angeles Chargers WR D.J. Chark: The Chargers wide receiver was expected to add depth and a veteran presence to the receiving corps, it just had to wait a few weeks to happen. Chark suffered a minor hip injury before the season began, but sources say he should be back on the field this week with his practice window opened.