When will Browns RB Nick Chubb be back after missing the first 4 games? Hey, Mary Kay!
CLEVELAND, Ohio — In this week’s edition of Hey, Mary Kay!, I answer questions from the Browns about Nick Chubb, D’Onta Foreman and others. Some of the questions came from our Football Insider subscribers. To become one, click here. Thanks!
Hello, Mary Kay:
When will Nick Chubb be ready after missing the first four games? — Sean N., Chicago, Ill.
Hi Sean: I think the hope was always that Chubb, who was physically unable to play for at least the first four weeks, would be ready mid-season, possibly Week 8 against the Ravens, Week 9 against the Chargers, or maybe after the bye week in Week 10.
Expectations were high at the Greenbrier when he sprinted and cut so well, but the Browns hit the brakes to give Chubb the time he needed to recover from the second major reconstruction of his left knee in his career. This one required two surgeries, including the anterior cruciate ligament in December, and healing typically takes about nine months when it’s just one surgery.
He also suffered a torn medial collateral ligament and medial capsule. He continues to make tremendous progress and has surprised the Browns with his bold comeback. But there is no rush to get him back on the field, and the Browns want him to stay healthy for the long haul. They will keep a close eye on him and hope he returns sometime in October or November. In the meantime, Jerome Ford will carry the load.
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Hello, Mary Kay:
What role do you think running back D’Onta Foreman will play on this team? Will he split time with Jerome Ford? Or will he go after Pierre Strong Jr.? — Kristopher Lang, Allentown, Ohio
Hey, Christopher: Foreman was always slated to fill Kareem Hunt’s role as a third-down back and short-yardage and goal-line specialist. As an eighth-year pro, he has played that role effectively in camp, and the Browns shouldn’t pass him up.
Strong will also fill in for Ford at times, and the Browns will take advantage of his speed and good hands. All three backs will be involved in the passing game, and all three are good receivers. The Browns should have a robust running game even before Chubb returns.
Hello, Mary Kay:
My impression from last season and so far this summer is that Kevin Stefanski doesn’t believe in Deshaun Watson any more than we fans do (based on the decision not to play him at all in the preseason and the fact that Stefanski was so happy to call plays for Flacco in his play-action-oriented system, among other things). But I’ve also heard that the two actually have a good relationship. Do you have any insight into that? — Daniel Goldberg, Manhattan via Shaker Heights
Hey, Daniel: Stefanski and Watson actually have a good relationship. Stefanski was one of the main reasons why Watson wanted to sign with the Browns in the first place.
Stefanski’s decision to give Watson a rest in Seattle had more to do with the left tackle’s shaky situation and general arm soreness than anything else.
As for whether he would rather call the offense for Joe Flacco, Stefanski can call plays for many different quarterback styles, and most quarterbacks had their best seasons under him.
I think Watson would have been perfectly happy with offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey calling the plays, too, and he was very comfortable with him co-running the offense. If Stefanski eventually decides to hand over responsibility to Dorsey, it will be a smooth transition and Watson will welcome it. But it’s time to see what Stefanski and Watson can do together when Watson is healthy.
Hello, MK!
Seems like the O-line is in trouble. Is it time for Andrew Berry to work his magic and acquire a left tackle? It doesn’t matter who is quarterback if the blindside isn’t secure. I’m predicting a 4-13 season if something isn’t done soon. —David Hanford, Solon, Ohio
Hello, David: Browns two-time All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin (ACL, MCL) returned to practice this week and can be used as left tackle if Jedrick Wills Jr. (MCL) is not ready.
If Wills returns to practice this week, I think there’s a chance he could be an option for Sunday’s opener against the Cowboys, but that would be a close call for him. Regardless, both Conklin and Wills should be available soon, and the Browns will be in good shape at the tackle position. Right tackle Dawand Jones, who also suffered a torn medial ligament in December, is still working to get back to 100%, but is making great progress.
Hello, Mary Kay:
I haven’t heard anything significant about Ogbo Okoronkwo since the end of last season. Is he doing his job and keeping a low profile or is he in the proverbial doghouse? Are there any other players worth mentioning that haven’t received much attention this offseason? —David Smith, Port Washington, NY
Hello, David: Okoronkwo has been quiet in the offseason and preseason, keeping a low profile and working hard. But he’s set his sights on double-digit sack totals this season and can do that if he stays healthy. After a torn pectoral muscle that cost him three games last season, Okoronkwo is back to 100% and ready to make a splash in his second season on this defense.
Hello Mary Kay:
Is it just me or is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah not respected enough in the NFL as one of the best linebackers? I’m still shocked he didn’t make the top 100! What kind of season does he need to have to get more national recognition? —Brandon Evans, Bedford, Ohio
Hi, Brandon: I think Owusu-Koramoah will get more attention this season as the Browns play more primetime games and use more dual-threat quarterbacks where JOK will have a chance to utilize his speed and range.
He was one of the few bright spots on defense in the Browns’ 45-14 loss to the Texans in the wild-card round and will get a lot of national recognition if he continues to get into the backfield so well. I think he will build on his stellar performances in 2023 and perhaps make the Pro Bowl this year as a starter rather than a backup. More spectacular, game-winning plays will help.
