The news from Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is that he may return to playing for the team to start the season in Week 1. While fans and sports analysts are debating this subject a lot these days it really comes down to what Chubb and the team decide.

Chubb suffered a knee injury back in Week 2 of the 2023 season and has been on the road to recovery ever since. Many fans of Chubb, who know he is the heart and soul of the team, have pondered when he’d return. Some are saying the team would put him on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list and let Chubb kind of work his way back to playing in games.

While taking it slow and easy seems like a good idea for some when talking about Chubb’s injury, it comes down to what Chubb ultimately can do. I’ve always been under the impression that Chubb is a very unique and special football player and what might seem normal to most, as in a return to the field of play after an injury isn’t the same for him. I wouldn’t underestimate Chubb’s words on the situation.

The Akron Beacon Journal writer Chris Easterling interviewed Chubb recently and when asked about returning by Week 1, Chubb said “ We’ll see, I don’t know…I’m doing everything I can at this point and I’m right where I want to be…and when that time happens, when I feel great, I’ll be on the field. “

So Chubb left the door open on a return in Week 1 and I’m a fan of that return if he believes he’s ready. As fans and analysts, we like to dictate what sounds good and seems best for the team. But with Chubb, maybe his return in Week 1 is what’s best. I know we want to protect our best players from further injury but I’ll trust Chubb’s decision when it comes time for that.

Chubb’s rushing numbers as a Cleveland Brown are off the charts and if it weren’t for the injury last season he’d likely only be sitting at No.2 All-time in rushing yards behind Jim Brown. Chubb currently has 6,511 yards rushing over his six-year stint in Cleveland. He’s 30 yards away from moving up to 3rd place over Mike Pruitt. He needs 764 yards to surpass Leroy Kelly at No. 2.

You have to wonder what these accomplishments would mean to Chubb who has always focused on the team and what’s best to bring them success. However, being in such prestigious running back company, the likes of Jim Brown you have to figure these accolades mean something to him.

I hope the Browns recognize the uniqueness of Chubb and that you aren’t going to find a player of Chubb’s caliber again. I hope he stays a Cleveland Brown for the rest of his career. If it were up to Chubb that would be the case, I’m sure of it.

For the time being though let’s see when he returns this season. My money is on seeing him play in Week 1.