The news wasn’t great for Nick Chubb, but he avoided the worst case scenario.
The Browns running back has a torn MCL after taking a hit to his knee during Monday night’s game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, according to an ESPN report on Saturday.
But the silver lining, according to the outlet, is that Chubb’s injury is not career-ending.
ESPN, citing doctors, reported that Chubb’s ACL was stretched on the play but not torn, and he is expected to take six to eight months to recover.
Chubb was hit low by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, causing the devastating injury, which ESPN did not show.
Some have criticized the hit as “dirty,” but Fitzpatrick this week has defended himself over the tackle that ended Chubb’s season.
“I’m chippy. I’m edgy, of course, but I’m not a dirty player. I’m not going to sit here and defend my character. I know the type of player I am. Chubb knows the type of player I am,” Fitzpatrick told reporters on Thursday. “I’ve played against him a bunch in the past.
“Five years, two times a year. I love competing against him. He brings the best out of me, and I bring the best out of him.”
With Chubb out, the Browns said it will use Jerome Ford as the feature back, but they also brought back Kareem Hunt to round out the backfield.
Hunt played the last four years with the Browns but was not signed after the 2022 season ended, reportedly because Cleveland thought his “speed” had diminished.
In losing Chubb, the Browns will be missing a running back that recorded over 1,000 yards in each of the last four seasons.
The four-time Pro Bowler had 170 rushing yards and 21 receiving yards through two games this year.
The Browns take on the Titans at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
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