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

However, Browns’ RB Nick Chubb’s injury update is no good news. According to Doctor Sebastian Fearon’s X post, Chubb will start his season on PUP. After being put on the Physically Unable to Perform list, there isn’t a lot we can expect from the player. According to the tweet, the RB will not play at least the first 4 games. The player underwent two surgeries in the last 1 year, affecting his recovery time and it’s much more likely closer to 15 months until he is near to 100%. The doctor mentioned in his tweet, “Completely expected & likely the best thing for him. He is likely to be active & play this season but a productive second half by volume is BEST case scenario IMO.”

And to flesh it out, the doctor re-shared ESPN Senior NFL Insider, Adam Schefter’s X post. Schefter confirmed that Nick Chubb is ineligible to play the first four games of the league because of his injury.

On the other hand, we have got some positive news for the Browns fans! On August 26, Deepak Chona, injury analyst and surgeon, took to his X account to share injury updates on Deshaun Watson. He wrote how there are a few concerns about Watson sitting out in the 2023 season, even when he was cleared to play. But there is positive news too! The QB got back to the gridiron on Thursday for practice, hinting he’ll be ready to go at full strength for Week 1!

On Wednesday, Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told Watson was going through general arm soreness, but he also gave some hope. He said, “I decided to hold back a little bit with him, but not overly concerned. He is feeling fine.” The HC also explained how the QB position can be demanding, causing soreness. And that’s not the first time the QB has dealt with soreness. He has been throwing the ball during the entire training camp, with only one rest day. And now it all makes sense!

While analysts understand Nick Chubb’s injury, some analysts have an interesting take on Deshaun Watson.

Analysts question Watson’s injury situation

We all know how Nick Chubb entered the last season as one of the league’s best RBs. But him starting the 2024 season with an injury is just not a great update for the Browns.

Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubbs are like the missing part of the jigsaw puzzle that could complete the Browns’ picture. But, the QB is yet to go back to the game. No matter how much the Browns HC explains about Watson’s injury or arm soreness, there are concerns about whether the player is hiding something or having a much more serious injury.

Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson raised the same questions on the Baskin and Phelps on August 22. The senior NFL writer highlighted how it was risky for Watson to play the last preseason game, so it’s no surprise how he suffered general soreness. Robinson believes the Browns just wanted the QB to sit out and avoid that final game. He said, “I’d say I’m a bit suspicious.”

And the NFL writer is not the only one to raise his eyebrows. Even Athletic’s Jason Lloyd called the Browns’ decisions ‘strange.’ He mentioned how the whole training camp’s situation has been really odd and like a rollercoaster ride. He said, “The condition around this entire camp is absolutely odd. It’s the only appropriate term to describe it. It does not make sense.” Lloyd explained how the camp was initially denying Watson’s participation in the preseason, but then the HC announced he would be involved. And interestingly, even the QB seemed surprised by that! And now, to add another twist, Kevin has said he might reconsider as the game gets closer. Now, on top of it, Watson has shut down.

The Browns’ QB situation is just getting confusing day by day. With Deshaun Watson recovered from his injury, will the fans see him on court this season? And let’s not forget how the absence of Nick Chubb can put the team in hot waters!