Nick Chubb will always be one of the most beloved players in the history of the Cleveland Browns. Before devastating knee injuries, Chubb’s career was on a Hall of Fame trajectory.
Unfortunately, it seems as if the injuries have brought Chubb’s tenure in Cleveland to an end. The Browns drafted two running backs this spring and renegotiated a deal with running back Jerome Ford.
Now, general manager Andrew Berry is explicitly saying that a return from Chubb probably isn’t in the cards.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I would say it’s probably increasingly unlikely,” Berry said, according to Pro Football Talk. “We do have two young guys that we like. We think Jerome plays a role. It’s basically kind of maybe seeing how the roles shake out in the running backs room.
“Look, you’re never going to rule out someone as near and dear to our heart as Nick. And I would expect him to take another step, being another year removed from the injury. But I’d say maybe a return is less likely — at least in the short term — with us right now.”
Berry acknowledged that he understands the weight that comes with a decision like this.
“My job in decision-making is to be non-emotional. And then in terms of managing and treating people, it’s to be able to do it as empathetically as possible,” Berry said. “I think one of the hardest things is when you transition away from a player who meant a lot to the organization and meant a lot to the community.
“But the reality of it is, look, I’d love for key players in our organization to stay with us forever, play until they’re 45. Unfortunately, this sport doesn’t allow that. And so that’s part of the tough parts of the job, but it doesn’t change how you view, or treat, or feel about the guys who have come through as people.”
