BEREA, Ohio — Injuries have been a thorn in the Browns' side since the 2021 season began, and could be seen as a main culprit behind what some view as an underwhelming 4-3 start.
Thankfully, the team is slowly getting healthier, and got a huge boost in that department Monday.
Running back Nick Chubb returned to the practice field today in Berea after missing Cleveland's last two games with a calf injury. Head coach Kevin Stefanski says Chubb is "feeling good," although he declined to say definitively if the two-time Pro Bowler will play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"He has gotten a lot of work done these last couple of weeks," Stefanski said. "I think he is excited to get back out there. We will see how it goes over the next couple days and see if he can."
Fresh off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and a new three-year contract extension, Chubb has rushed for 523 yards (an average of 104.6 per game and 5.8 per carry) and four touchdowns so far this year. Unfortunately, he hurt his calf in the Week 5 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and until Monday had not set foot on any field since.
In Chubb's absence, Kareem Hunt rushed for 66 yards in Week 6, but he himself suffered a calf ailment and is currently on injured reserve. That made former undrafted free agent D'Ernest Johnson RB1 last Thursday night, and he more than picked up the slack with 146 yards and a touchdown in a victory over the Denver Broncos.
Besides Chubb, All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin was back at practice today after also missing the previous two contests with a knee injury, and left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. appears to be at full-strength after being limited since Week 1 by a bad ankle. However, star receiver Jarvis Landry is still hampered by a sprained MCL, and quarterback Baker Mayfield did not practice at all as he continues to deal with his left shoulder.
"With all of these guys, we will see," Stefanski said. "We will put that injury report out Wednesday, and we will know more as we get into the week. ... I would just tell you, [we are] making sure that we are getting better at all of these positions."