Doctor reveals Nick Chubb's 'best case scenario' as Deshaun Watson likely to start in Week 1

The NFL season is about to start and players are just counting the days, but some players are busy counting their injuries. Two of those players are Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson. While Chubb suffered a knee injury in Week 2 of last season, Watson injured his shoulder that same year. What a painful coincidence! But since time heals all wounds, perhaps it has worked its magic on the Browns players too!

However, Browns' RB Nick Chubb's injury update is not good news. According to Doctor Sebastian Fearon's X-post, Chubb will start his season as a PUP. After being placed on the physically unable to perform list, we cannot expect much from the player. According to the tweet, the RB will not play for at least the first 4 games. The player underwent two surgeries last year, which affected his recovery time, and it is much more likely that he will need 15 months to get back to 100%. The doctor mentioned in his tweet: “This was entirely expected and probably the best thing for him. He will likely be active and playing this season, but a productive second half is the BEST scenario in my opinion.”

And to reinforce the point, the doctor re-shared the X-post from ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, who confirmed that Nick Chubb is ineligible to play the league's first four games due to his injury.

On the other hand, we have some positive news for Browns fans! On August 26, Deepak Chona, injury analyst and surgeon, posted an update on Deshaun Watson's injury on his X account. He wrote that there are some concerns that Watson will sit out the 2023 season even though he has been cleared to play. But there is some positive news too! The QB returned to the field for practice on Thursday and is hinting that he will be ready for Week 1 at full strength!

On Wednesday, Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said Watson was suffering from general arm soreness, but also offered hope. He said: “I've decided to hold back a little, but I'm not overly worried. He's fine.” The HC also explained how tiring the QB position can be and how much pain he feels. And this isn't the first time the QB has struggled with pain. He's been throwing the ball all training camp and only had one day of rest. And now it all makes sense!

While analysts are understanding of Nick Chubb's injury, some analysts have an interesting opinion on Deshaun Watson.

Analysts question Watson's injury situation

We all know that Nick Chubb entered last season as one of the best RBs in the league, but him entering the 2024 season with an injury is simply not good news for the Browns.

Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubbs are like the missing piece of the puzzle that could complete the Browns picture. But the QB hasn't returned to the game yet. No matter how much the Browns HC explains about Watson's injury or arm soreness, there are concerns if the player is hiding something or has a much more serious injury.

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports asked the same questions on the Baskin and Phelps on August 22. The senior NFL writer stressed that it was risky for Watson to play the final preseason game, so it's no surprise that he was in general pain. Robinson believes the Browns just wanted the QB to sit out and avoid the final game. He said: “I would say I'm a little suspicious.”

And the NFL writer isn't the only one raising eyebrows. Even Jason Lloyd of the Athletic called the Browns' decisions “odd.” He mentioned that the entire training camp situation was really weird and like a rollercoaster. He said: “The state of affairs around the entire camp is absolutely strange. That is the only appropriate term to describe it. It makes no sense” Lloyd explained that the camp initially declined Watson's participation in the preseason, but then the HC announced that he would be there. And interestingly, even the QB seemed surprised by that! And now, to add another twist, Kevin has said that he might reconsider as the game gets closer. And now Watson has also opted out.

The Browns' quarterback situation is getting more confusing by the day. Now that Deshaun Watson has recovered from his injury, will fans see him on the field this season? And let's not forget that Nick Chubb's absence can put the team in trouble!