How long is Nick Chubb out? Injury timeline, return date, latest updates for Browns RB

No running backs, big problems for the Browns.

Nick Chubb was absent in the Browns’ Week 6 matchup with the Cardinals, after it was revealed the prior Friday that he was dealing with a calf issue. That same issue will keep Chubb out for Week 7, with no current timetable for return.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said that the team was unsure that Chubb will be placed on Injured Reserve, and as of Oct. 19, Cleveland has yet to shut him down for the minimum three games. 

Cleveland is currently dealing with a bevvy of injuries, including to Chubb’s platoon mate Kareem Hunt, who is currently sidelined for a minimum of three weeks while nursing a calf injury of his own.

Here’s the latest on when you can expect Chubb to return from injury:

How long is Nick Chubb out?

The Browns will be without Nick Chubb in back-to-back games, but he could make a return in Week 8 vs. the Steelers.

Chubb suffered a calf injury vs. the Chargers, leaving the game late in the fourth quarter, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Chubb would be listed as week-to-week with the injury, and wouldn’t play in the Week 6 matchup vs. the Cardinals. 

Cleveland, to this point, has avoided placing Chubb on Injured Reserve, which would sideline him at least three games should he receive that designation.

On Tuesday, Oct. 19, the Browns officially listed Chubb as OUT vs. the Broncos on “Thursday Night Football.”

What is Nick Chubb’s injury?

Similar to his backfield partner Kareem Hunt, Chubb is dealing with a calf injury. Chubb’s injury, though, is significantly less severe than that of Hunt’s, with the fourth-year back expected to return to the field in Week 8 vs. the Steelers.

It will be the second consecutive season that Chubb misses time with an injury: In 2020, Chubb suffered an MCL injury, missing four games, but coming back strong following the injury.

Prior to sustaining the injury, Chubb chewed up the Chargers on the ground in Week 5, going for 161 yards rushing on 21 carries, adding a rushing touchdown in the 47-42 loss to Los Angeles. 

Nick Chubb injury timeline

Oct. 10: In a game vs. the LA Chargers, Chubb carries the ball 21 times for 161 yards and a touchdown in a 47-42 loss to the Chargers. As it turns out, he would exit the game with a calf injury in the closing stages of the loss.

Oct. 15: On the last day of practice before a Week 6 matchup with the Cardinals, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski reveals that Chubb suffered a calf injury in the late stages of their matchup with the Chargers. Chubb sat out the entire week of practice. 

Stefanski says that Chubb will be out on Sunday, but won’t say whether or not he’ll head to IR with the injury.

Oct. 17: Without Chubb (and with a host of other injuries across the roster), the Browns get blown out by the Cardinals, 37-14. 

Oct. 18: There’s still no definitive status on Chubb for Thursday night’s game — a short week — but Stefanski says that Chubb is “progressing.” Still no determination on whether or not he’ll play.

Oct. 19: The Browns head coach officially rules Chubb out for Thursday’s matchup vs. the Broncos, but there’s still no determination to whether or not he’ll be placed on IR. At the moment, it looks like he’ll be good to go in Week 8 vs. the Steelers.