CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns running back Nick Chubb appears to be on target to return and play against the Houston Texans Sunday.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski was hesitant to speak in definitive absolutes when asked about Chubb’s status against the Texans.
“We wanted to use each one of these days and see how he responded each day,” Stefanski said. “He hit all of the benchmarks. “It is just a matter of making sure we are all on the same page and making sure that he is ready to go.
“If he is ready, he will be out there. If we feel like he is not ready this week, we will make that decision.”
Chubb, who still must be activated from inured reserve, was designated to return from IR on Monday after missing five weeks with a sprained MCL.
The good news is that Chubb practiced for a second straight day without a knee brace, but Stefanski plans to sit down with Chubb and the medical staff to make sure he is good to go and they’re not rushing his return.
“We are going to do what is best for Nick and best for the Browns,” Stefanski said.
Helping Hand – The Browns are in a unique situation as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in that the NFLPA president I their starting center, JC Tretter.
Tretter has spent countless hours working with the league and union this year to help navigate the pandemic.
For Stefanski, Tretter has been an invaluable resource to help them stay as safe and healthy as possible.
“I think JC is a big help for us when it comes to all of this,” Stefanski said, “honestly – a lot of conversations over the months with JC and getting his insight into this because he has a unique perspective. Yeah, I lean on him a lot.”
Cleared Late – Cornerback Denzel Ward and linebacker Sione Takitaki were not cleared in time for Friday’s late practice, but both players have been cleared and will be available against the Texans.
“Ultimately, they were cleared, but yeah, it was a proximity thing,” Stefanski said. “After working with the league and the third party that investigates these types of things, everybody followed the rules.”
Injury Report – QUESTIONABLE: LB Jacob Phillips (knee)
EXPECTED TO PLAY: LG Joel Bitonio (elbow), RT Jack Conklin (knee), RG Wyatt Teller (calf), C JC Tretter (knee), TE Austin Hooper (abdomen), WR Jarvis Landry (hip), LB Sione Takitaki (hand)
