The Browns are getting some major reinforcement on both sides of the ball. The team announced they’ve activated both running back Nick Chubb and safety Juan Thornhill to the active roster.
All signs had been pointing to Chubb returning for Week 7, with the star running back confirming his impending activation in an essay earlier this week. Chubb hasn’t seen the field since suffering a major knee injury in Week 2 of last season. After undergoing a pair of procedures over the past year, Chubb naturally landed on the reserve/PUP list for the start of the 2024 campaign. The impending free agent returned to practice earlier this month, and it sounded like the Browns would let the player make the final call regarding a return date.
Ultimately, Chubb settled on Week 7, where he should immediately return to the top of the depth chart. The Browns are hoping the veteran can spark a struggling offense. Jerome Ford has led the rushing attack for the start of the season, with D’Onta Foreman recently stealing a chunk of carries. Ford’s 5.4 yards-per-carry ranks 14th in the NFL, but the team’s overreliance on Deshaun Watson and the passing game has limited the team’s RB production. Perhaps Chubb’s return will have OC Ken Dorsey rethinking his offensive approach.
Thornhill returned to practice earlier this week. The defensive back suffered a calf injury during the season opener, requiring a stint on injured reserve. The former Chiefs draft pick started all 11 appearances during his first season in Cleveland in 2023, finishing with 54 tackles. The Browns’ safety corps has struggled with health this season, but when whole, Thornhill should return to his starting spot alongside Grant Delpit.
Chubb’s activation does not count toward the Browns’ in-season activation total, which sits at five following Saturday’s Thornhill transaction.
