Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb suffered a significant injury during a recent game, a moment that left broadcasters Joe Buck and Troy Aikman somber as they conveyed the severity of the situation.
Chubb was injured while attempting a run near the goal line, grasping his left leg immediately upon being tackled. The initial visual indicated a troubling situation, but the announcers made it clear that the reality was far worse than what met the eye.
“I’m told the replay of Nick Chubb getting injured is not to be seen,” remarked play-by-play announcer Joe Buck during the ABC broadcast.
While Buck made this statement, the replay was displayed in the stadium, resulting in an audible groan from the crowd.
“Yeah, we’re not going to show it. It’s as bad as you can imagine,” affirmed analyst Troy Aikman.
Chubb received a low hit from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, while being pulled down by another defender. This resulted in an unnatural bend of his knee.
Subsequently, Chubb was carted off the field. Steelers fans, who had seen the replay, chanted his name and gave him a supportive ovation as he made his way to the locker room, as reported by Buck during the broadcast.
The Browns quickly ruled Chubb out due to what the team stated was a knee injury. Jerome Ford, Chubb’s backup, scored on the subsequent play, but the celebration was subdued, given the circumstances.
Notably, Chubb had previously suffered a major knee injury in college, where a tackle near the sideline caused an awkward landing to his left knee. This incident occurred during the 2015 season, and tragically, the recent injury was to the same left knee. Chubb bounced back and played in the 2016 and 2017 seasons at Georgia, ultimately becoming a second-round draft pick for the Browns.
Chubb is highly regarded as one of the premier running backs in the NFL and a vital component of the Browns’ offensive strategy. If the injury is indeed as severe as it appeared, it represents a significant setback for the Browns early in the season.