In a Monday night showdown at Acrisure Stadium, the Cleveland Browns not only lost a crucial division game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, but they also lost their best offensive player for the entire season.
All-Pro running back Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome knee injury during the second quarter. Replays made it very clear that the injury was a significant one.
The Browns ended up losing the game 26-22 thanks to T.J. Watt’s fourth quarter defensive touchdown. However, as expected, much of the talk postgame was about the devasting injury to Chubb.
Cleveland Head Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the severity of the injury, stating: “Nick Chubb has sustained a significant knee injury, and it is with a heavy heart that we anticipate he will miss the remainder of the season.”
Nick Chubb expected to be out for the season with significant knee injury. pic.twitter.com/LbHIFXkpKb
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2023
The horrifying incident occurred when Chubb was tackled by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
ESPN’s broadcast team initially decided not to show the replay of the injury, but the collective gasp from the crowd made it clear that something was seriously wrong.
The most obvious angle of Nick Chubb's injury pic.twitter.com/1PjjX2R6Vk
— Meme Sorta (@memesorta) September 19, 2023
Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler, had been a key driving force for the Browns who have big plans in store this season.
Prior to his injury, he had already accumulated 64 rushing yards on 10 carries during the early part of last night’s game.
In the Browns week one victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Chubb had an impressive 106 rushing yards and seemed to be in midseason form.
The sports world showed support for Nick Chubb after his injury vs. Pittsburgh 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vgI6SNYMwW
— ESPN (@espn) September 19, 2023
Cleveland still has loads of talent, but the loss of Chubb cannot be underestimated. He was in many ways the straw that stirred the drink for the Browns offense.
With Chubb gone, how do you think Cleveland will do this season?