CLEVELAND — Nick Chubb has made a triumphant return to the field, fulfilling his promise to fans and teammates alike.

The star running back for the Cleveland Browns had his 2023 season cut short by a serious knee injury in Week 2, but he took the field once more on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, injecting renewed energy into a team and fanbase that craved excitement.

During the pregame introductions, Chubb received an enthusiastic reception from the crowd, a warm welcome that helped ease the negative reaction directed towards quarterback Deshaun Watson as he entered the stadium at Huntington Bank Field.

Chubb, who is regarded as one of the most beloved sports figures in Cleveland’s history, had previously endured a frightening moment when he was carted off the playing field last season after suffering a severe injury to his left knee. This was the same knee that had been injured during his college career at Georgia following a hard hit from Pittsburgh’s safety Minkah Fitzpatrick near the end zone.

In a reflective essay published earlier this week, Chubb shared his concerns about the possibility of his football career being over at that moment when he was taken off the field.

As the game commenced, the Bengals took an early lead, returning the opening kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown. Chubb’s first carry in over a year occurred on the third play, which resulted in a modest gain of 2 yards.

Throughout his career with the Browns, which began when he was drafted in the second round in 2018, Chubb has amassed impressive statistics, including over 6,511 rushing yards and a total of 48 touchdowns in just more than five seasons.