Browns’ Nick Chubb gets 100% real on Minkah Fitzpatrick hit that shattered knee
It is common for athletes to blame someone or something for a terrible injury. Nick Chubb isn’t one of these athletes. The Cleveland Browns running back addressed to the media on Wednesday for the first time since his season-ending knee injury last September, making it clear that he does not believe Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick’s hit was deliberate.
“I do not believe that was a dirty hit at all. “I don’t blame him,” Chubb told Andrew Siciliano.
Chubb tore the MCL and injured the ACL in his left knee during Cleveland’s Week 2 game against Pittsburgh. Chubb required another procedure in November after having surgery in late September.
The Browns expect him to return in 2024, but no timeline has been set. Chubb said Wednesday that he is pleased with where he is in his health and that he would continue to vigorously pursue therapy.
Chubb sustained a similar injury in 2015 while playing for the Georgia Bulldogs. That most certainly contributed to his emotional anguish after his accident last year. He said his teammates helped him get through those difficult recuperation days.
“The team did a great job of being there for me,” Chubb remarked, according to Mary Kay Cabot. “I was feeling bad psychologically for a time. When you get hurt, that’s one thing. When you get hurt again, you already know what you have to go through: the entire process, surgery, rehab, it’s a never-ending battle every day. My staff did an excellent job of being there for me, and I was present throughout the building for them. They accomplished an excellent job, made the playoffs, and had a successful run.”
Following his injuries, Chubb had consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with Georgia before being drafted in the second round by the Browns in 2018.
Browns GM Andrew Berry did not want Chubb’s final carry in Cleveland to be the one that resulted in his knee injury. Despite being under contract in 2024, the Browns and Chubb revised his contract in April to reduce his base salary with incentives.
Cleveland is confident that Chubb will heal fully and contribute significantly to the team’s offense this season. On his incentive-based contract, the 28-year-old has the opportunity and desire to show that he still has it.
Chubb has consistently been one of the greatest running backs in the NFL. After falling four rushing yards short of 1,000 during his freshman season, Chubb averaged 1,336 yards over the next four seasons. He was as efficient as any back in the league, averaging 5.3 yards per rush and more over 90 yards a game throughout that time.
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry did not want Chubb’s final carry in Cleveland to be the one that caused his knee injury. Despite being under contract in 2024, the Browns and Chubb restructured his contract in April to cut his base salary through incentives.
The Browns have playoff hopes in 2024 after winning 11 games last season. Cleveland wants Nick Chubb to be a big part of it, and the veteran running back is doing everything he can to make it happen.
