BEREA, Ohio — Recently, Nick Chubb’s view of the Pittsburgh Steelers was overshadowed by tears as he departed the field on a cart. However, he is set to encounter his team’s long-time rivals again this Thursday under much more favorable conditions.
This upcoming matchup marks Chubb’s first meeting with the Steelers since he suffered a severe knee injury last season, one that not only ended his year but also raised concerns about his future in football and left a profound impact on his teammates. While many players may be motivated by a desire for vengeance in such scenarios, Chubb does not share that mindset. “For me, it’s just another game,” Chubb stated on Wednesday, rejecting any notions of seeking retribution. “I approach it the same way and am eager to compete against a strong team. That’s who I am. It’s still a football game—I have to go out there and perform, regardless of the opponent or challenges before me. I maintain my focus, always.”
Last season, Chubb’s routine play during Week 2 against the Steelers took a devastating turn. After receiving a handoff and making a move toward the Pittsburgh 5-yard line, he was hit from the side by Steelers’ safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The impact resulted in a horrific bending of Chubb’s knee. Despite the intensity of the hit, Chubb refrained from labeling it as dirty, and has yet to hear from Fitzpatrick since that fateful moment. “We spoke briefly on the field right as it happened; that was all,” Chubb remarked.
Following his injury, Chubb required surgery to mend a torn medial collateral ligament, meniscus, and medial capsule. Just two months later, he underwent a second surgical procedure to repair his anterior cruciate ligament, a condition he first sustained while playing at Georgia in 2015. Initially, it seemed optimistic when the Browns indicated they anticipated his return sometime in the 2024 season. However, given Chubb’s remarkable work ethic throughout six seasons, the coaching staff learned quickly not to disregard his determination. When he surprised everyone by starting to run ahead of projections this spring, it became evident that his return to the Cleveland backfield was imminent.
Chubb’s inspiring comeback has been a rare bright spot for the Browns, who find themselves struggling this season with a 2-8 record. “It’s phenomenal to see him back on the field,” stated star defensive end Myles Garrett. “His tenacity to view this as just another hurdle, knowing it won’t stop him, and his relentless effort to return to the game he loves is admirable. Chubb is consistently one of the most athletic players on the field, and to see him get back to even close to his previous form took an immense amount of hard work from him. He has worked tirelessly to put himself in a position to contribute significantly.”
The Steelers share that respect. Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin, refers to Chubb with utmost regard, calling him “Mr. Chubb.” Tomlin expressed, “I have so much respect for his skills, his record, and his athletic abilities. From a football perspective, it’s great to see him back on the field. But as a competitor against him this week, it’s clear he has our full attention.”
The Browns have strategically managed Chubb’s comeback, taking a cautious approach regarding his workload. Though his longest run thus far has been just 15 yards, there are glimpses that show he is regaining his previous form. Guard Joel Bitonio reminisced about Chubb’s last carry of the previous season and is thrilled to see him back in action. “His character and the effort he puts in speaks volumes about who he is,” Bitonio noted. “Being a great teammate requires particular qualities, and he embodies them. It’s tough to witness anyone suffer an injury like that, especially someone you consider a friend. It was a very emotional event, but now that he’s back, I’m excited to see him continue improving and rediscovering that fiery, signature running style.”
In other updates, Garrett, who has been managing a hip issue, did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to play. The team placed left tackle Dawand Jones on injured reserve due to a broken leg and subsequently signed Geron Christian from the Rams’ practice squad, who previously started nine games for Cleveland last year. Additionally, left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. expressed that both he and the coaching staff are aligned after his recent comments concerning a “business decision” to sit out due to a knee issue. “I understand how my words might have been interpreted, but frankly, I’m over it,” said Wills.