Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;  Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) ins helped to the cart after being injured during the second  half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.Baltimore Ravens defeated Miami Dolphins 56-19. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Dolphins LB Bradley Chubb won’t return this season

Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb will not be activated Wednesday when his 21-day window to return concludes, coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday.

The decision means Chubb will miss the entire 2024 season after trying to recover from a devastating knee injury he sustained in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 31, 2023.

Chubb tore the ACL, meniscus and patellar tendon in his right knee with 3:10 left in a game Miami lost 56-19. He began this season on the physically unable to perform list.

McDaniel said Chubb agreed with the decision. The Dolphins (7-8) face long odds of claiming an AFC playoff berth with two games to go.

“He had been very patient in the process, very open-minded and had growth as the process went,” McDaniel said. “But ultimately, we all decided that we didn’t think he would be able to be the player that he expects — that we all expect. Just needed a little bit more time that, unfortunately, the season couldn’t offer us.

“So he’s still all in it, and he was disappointed, but he also understands the big picture at stake and is going to make sure that when he’s on the field for the Dolphins, that everyone feels the player that he knows he is.”

Chubb is expected to be ready for offseason workouts.

Chubb had a big season in 2023 with 74 tackles, 11 sacks and tying for the NFL lead with six forced fumbles. He recovered two fumbles in 16 games.

Chubb, 28, has 39.5 career sacks in 73 games (72 starts) with the Dolphins and Denver Broncos. Denver selected Chubb No. 5 overall in the 2018 draft and traded him to Miami at the trade deadline of the 2022 season.

A force when healthy, Chubb sustained a season-ending torn left ACL in the fourth game of the 2019 season and missed 10 games in 2021 with an ankle injury.

–Field Level Media

Oct 31, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) steps over Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Browns RB Nick Chubb practices for first time since Sept. 2023

Nick Chubb suited up for practice with the Cleveland Browns for the first time since September 2023.

“Nick’s working through injuries and rehabbing, you’re always excited when they’re back in pads,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Nick has been here every day so not far from what we’re doing, not far from what we’re thinking about. He’s in every meeting. He’s here very early. This is just the next natural progression for him.”

Chubb and running back Nyheim Hines, both rehabbing knee injuries, are returning to practice with a 21-day window to be activated by the Browns. They’ve pushed each other in rehab and workouts, training sessions and film study since graduating to straight-line sprints early in training camp.

The next steps are the trickiest to predict and the Browns plan to follow the lead of their medical team and the individual players to determine when — and if — either is part of the plan by November.

The Browns are averaging 4.3 yards per carry with Jerome Ford leading the team in rushing (39 carries, 203 yards) behind an offensive line decimated by injuries.

Chubb was placed on injured reserve Week 2 of last season with a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee. He required multiple reconstructive knee surgeries even to get to the rehab phase. Once he got there, Chubb lived up to his reputation as a dogged weightlifter and worked on a training regimen that began at the University of Georgia and continued at the Browns’ facility in Berea, Ohio.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Chubb was “doing two-a-day practices for rehab,” which guided the franchise’s decision to fight to keep him on the roster with a restructured deal.

Chubb made four consecutive Pro Bowl teams (2019-22) and rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of those seasons, including 1,525 in 2022.

Since being selected by the Browns with the 35th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, Chubb has run for 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns in 77 games.

Berry said that during the 2023 season, Chubb kept his preparation locked in as if he were playing in a regular season game. The routine, down to his pre-dawn arrivals and workout recovery plan, didn’t change. All of the money Chubb could have earned in base salary is now available in incentives if he returns.

“I probably came into (last season), let’s say on a scale of 1 to 10 in terms of respect for Nick Chubb — it was a 10. And probably coming out of this year, it’s now a 20,” Berry said.

Prior to camp, Chubb posted a video of himself squatting 540 pounds. A month later, a video featured Chubb doing one-legged lateral jumps.

Asked in the preseason if Chubb could possibly return Week 1, Stefanski said he “would never doubt this young man.”

But Chubb was placed on the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 27. Hines went on the PUP list on the same date and was also activated to return to practice Wednesday. A player designated for return remains on the reserve list for the remainder of the season if not activated at the end of the 21-day window.

Stefanski said Hines “is a talented ball-carrier whether you hand it to him or throw it to him” and expects his potential role to go beyond special teams. Hines was primarily a return specialist with the Bills but missed all of last season after a jet ski accident. In 2022 with Buffalo, he worked with current Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and special teams coach Bubba Ventrone.

–Field Level Media

Jul 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) works out during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins LB Bradley Chubb to start season on PUP list

Miami is set to begin the regular season with top pass-rusher Bradley Chubb on the physically unable to perform list.

Chubb, who tore the ACL in his right knee in Week 17, Isaiah Wynn and Cam Goode all are on the PUP list to start the 2024 season, head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday.

To be determined is the phrase used by McDaniel when asked if wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. would also begin on the PUP list, which requires players sit out the first four games of the season.

Chubb suffered the right knee injury with 3:10 remaining in the Ravens’ 56-19 win over the Dolphins last season.

In addition to his 74 tackles and 22 quarterback hits, Chubb led the NFL with six forced fumbles in 2023.

The Dolphins acquired Chubb from the Denver Broncos on Nov. 1, 2022. He has 39.5 career sacks in 73 games (72 starts) with the Dolphins and Broncos, who selected him No. 5 overall in the 2018 draft.

Chubb, 28, suffered a torn left ACL with Denver in 2019 and missed 10 games in 2021 with an ankle injury.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) approaches Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Browns, RB Nick Chubb agree to restructured deal

Browns general manager Andrew Berry insisted he would find a way to keep running back Nick Chubb in Cleveland.

According to multiple reports, the Browns and Chubb agreed to a restructured deal to take his scheduled base salary of $15.85 million down to $11.775 million with the ability to recoup the difference in performance incentives.

Chubb, 28, is recovering from multiple knee surgeries following a season-ending left knee injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and recent reports indicate a plan from the franchise to be “conservative” with the decision to put the All-Pro back on the field.

Chubb was hurt in September on a tackle by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The direct contact with Chubb’s left knee, the same one that required reconstructive surgery at Georgia in 2015, caused an extreme hyperextension and ripped three ligaments.

Berry said in January he didn’t want to see that injury be Chubb’s final carry in Cleveland.

Chubb has 1,238 career carries for 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns since Cleveland took Chubb in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is taken from the field on a cart after suffering an apparent injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Browns GM, RB Nick Chubb to huddle, talk contract

INDIANAPOLIS — Armchair general managers appear to be off the mark projecting a Browns offense without running back Nick Chubb in 2024.

Entering the final year of a three-year contract with Cleveland, Chubb’s base salary of $11.8 million pushes his cap hit for next season over $15 million. That’s a hefty amount for a running back in the NFL, not to mention one in the middle of the rehabilitation phase of his recovery from a season-ending, multiple-ligament replacement knee surgery.

“Yeah, he’s done a great job,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said of Chubb’s rehab. “You guys know Nick — he works his tail off. He does everything in his power to make sure that he can recover as quickly as possible. It still is very early and we’re what, six months away from training camp? So to say anything more definitively than I did in the middle of January, it would probably be inaccurate.”

Berry believes there is a path forward for Chubb in Cleveland, backing up what he said last month about avoiding seeing the team’s leading rusher end his time with the team on a season-ending injury. Chubb’s season ended in September at Pittsburgh and required multiple surgeries to fully repair damage to the meniscus, medial capsule, MCL and ACL in his left knee.

Releasing Chubb, 28, would save the Browns $11.83 million, but a greater savings could be available through a restructure laden with incentives. But that’s only possible if Chubb agrees to the altered deal.

He had 170 yards on 28 carries in 2023. The four-time Pro Bowl selection topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past four seasons, gaining a career-high 1,525 in 2022. Chubb had 996 yards as a rookie in 2018 before beginning his streak of 1,000-yard seasons.

A meeting is set with Chubb’s agents to find a middle ground. But Berry didn’t want to set any odds on the Browns getting a restructured contract done.

“I understand that Nick is a popular discussion point. I meant what I said about him at the end of the season,” Berry said. “Any conversations that we have with him or his reps honestly will stay between us. If anything were to change with the status, you guys would be the first to know when that does happen.”

But if Berry is hoping to get a hometown discount, he might’ve overplayed his cards Tuesday when discussing the rollercoaster running game without him.

“Obviously Nick’s one in a million, and maybe he is one in a billion actually, and so we’re not going to get the consistent explosive runs that you get with the best back in football,” Berry said.

The rehab room has been popular at the Browns’ headquarters in Berea, Ohio with three offensive tackles returning from season-ending injuries and quarterback Deshaun Watson working his way back from shoulder surgery.

“Deshaun will begin throwing next month. He’s worked his tail off in terms of his rehab and recovery. He’s in a really good place,” Berry said. “We’re excited when the spring hits and we can get him back on the field.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker (55) returns an interception for a touchdown  during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins activate LB Jerome Baker off IR

The Miami Dolphins activated linebacker Jerome Baker from injured reserve on Saturday, one day before the AFC East showdown with the Buffalo Bills.

Miami opened the roster spot for Baker by putting star linebacker Bradley Chubb on IR. Chubb, who has 11 sacks this season, tore the ACL in his right knee during last weekend’s 56-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

The game between the Dolphins (11-5) and Bills (10-6) will determine the champion of the AFC East.

Baker injured the MCL in his left knee in a victory over the Washington Commanders on Dec. 3. He missed the past four games.

Baker, who turned 27 on Dec. 25, has 69 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions (one returned for touchdown) in 12 games this season.

He has been one of Miami’s steadiest defensive players during his six-year NFL career. He has recorded 100 or more tackles three times and has 22.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and five interceptions in 93 career games (82 starts).

Miami also elevated linebacker Melvin Ingram and cornerback Ethan Bonner to the active roster for Sunday’s game.

–Field Level Media

Sep 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Browns coach: RB Kareem Hunt will play Sunday

Newly re-signed running back Kareem Hunt will see action Sunday for the Cleveland Browns against the Tennessee Titans.

“Kareem’s going to play. He’s ready to play,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday.

How much he plays remains to be determined as the Browns adjust to the loss of four-time 1,000-yard rusher Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee injury.

Hunt, 28, signed a reported one-year deal worth up to $4 million on Wednesday to rejoin Cleveland, where he played the previous four seasons.

Hunt has rushed for 4,025 yards and 31 touchdowns and caught 211 passes for 1,806 yards and 17 TDs in 76 games (36 starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs (2017-18) and Browns.

Hunt led the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards as a Chiefs rookie in 2017, earning a Pro Bowl selection and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Kansas City drafted the Ohio native in the third round out of Toledo.

While Hunt’s role is unclear, Stefanski said multiple times this week that Jerome Ford will be the featured back for the Browns (1-1) on Sunday against the visiting Titans (1-1).

–Field Level Media

Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks for room to run against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Chubb on RB pay: ‘There’s really nothing we can do’

A group of top NFL running backs met via Zoom to discuss the salaries being paid at the position, and Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb had a sobering message for his fellow running backs.

“Right now, there’s really nothing we can do,” Chubb told ESPN on Sunday.

Chubb confirmed to the outlet that he was among the players to take part in the videoconference on Saturday, which Pro Football Talk reported was the brainchild of Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers. Chubb said Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley were among the running backs who joined in.

The meeting came on the heels of Barkley (New York Giants), Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) and Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys) all being unable to reach multi-year contracts ahead of the deadline for franchise-tagged players.

ESPN said the running backs brainstormed ideas but did not come up with any plans to address ways to boost their pay.

“We’re kind of handcuffed with the situation. We’re the only position that our production hurts us the most,” Chubb said, per ESPN. “If we go out there and run 2,000 yards with so many carries, the next year they’re going to say, you’re probably worn down. It’s tough. … It hurts us at the end of the day.”

Barkley and Jacobs both were franchise tagged by their teams but have not signed their franchise tenders, worth $10.09 million for the 2023 season. Pollard signed his tag and is expected to report to training camp. Barkley and Jacobs are not, per ESPN.

The average salary for an NFL running back is $1.76 million, which is about $1 million less than the average for a player on offense, according to Spotrac. The average salary for a left tackle is $8.95 million, by contrast.

McCaffrey is playing on a four-year, $64 million contract extension signed with the Carolina Panthers — the highest annual average pay at the position.

“This is Criminal,” McCaffrey tweeted about the contract situations facing Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard. “Three of the best PLAYERS in the entire league, regardless of position.”

Chubb agreed.

“We’re definitely in a tough situation, running backs as a whole,” he said. “Saquon’s a great player and you can ask anyone around the league or even on the Giants how much he means to that team. So it’s hard seeing him not get what he deserves.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Browns RB Nick Chubb practices, will play Saturday

Browns running back Nick Chubb practiced for the first time this week and plans to play against the Saints on Saturday.

Chubb (foot) is third in the NFL in rushing (1,252 yards) and third in touchdowns (12) with three weeks left in the 2022 season.

The Browns ruled out defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (concussion), who missed practice for the third consecutive day.

Myles Garrett joined Chubb with his first practice of the week and is on track to play against New Orleans.

“Looked normal. Nick looked good,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Myles is feeling better. They look normal.”

Garrett has been ill this week. Chubb and Garrett were free of injury designations on the final report Thursday.

Safety John Johnson was also at practice and listed as questionable for this week due to a thigh injury.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) gestures after a play in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins, new LB Bradley Chubb finalize $119M deal

Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb changed addresses on Tuesday and the newest member of the Miami Dolphins received a $111.25 million door prize on Thursday, agreeing to a five-year deal with $63.2 million guaranteed.

The contract doesn’t account for the $7.75 million remaining on Chubb’s rookie contract, which became the obligation of the Dolphins when Miami acquired the pass rusher Tuesday. All told, the Chubb contract has value of $119 million.

According to Chubb’s agents, the contract was part of the conversations that began two weeks ago between Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and Denver Broncos general manager George Paton.

Miami shipped a first-round pick in 2023, originally acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in the Trey Lance draft bonanza, to the Broncos for Chubb hours before the trade deadline Tuesday. The Dolphins also sent running back Chase Edmonds and a fourth-round pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to Denver for a 2025 fifth-round selection.

Chubb, 26, is two years removed from a torn ACL and led the Broncos with 5.5 sacks this season.

Grier said Wednesday he researched recovery and performance of pass rushers from similar injuries. That data combined with universal praise from past and present coaches for Chubb’s professionalism and work ethic fed the motive to move on Chubb now rather than wait for free agency bidding in March.

Miami has only 15 sacks this season and is in the bottom four in the NFL in most pass defense categories despite what head coach Mike McDaniel referred to as a “loaded” secondary.

Chubb was on the field with the Dolphins at Wednesday’s practice along with running back Jeff Wilson, who was the 49ers’ leading rusher this season. But Wilson became expendable when San Francisco acquired Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers.

Wilson knows the McDaniel system well. McDaniel, Rams coach Sean McVay and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan are former assistants of the Washington NFL franchise and McDaniel was offensive coordinator in San Francisco before he landed his first head-coaching job with the Dolphins.

–Field Level Media