NFL Rumors: Odell Beckham Jr., Nick Chubb Among Injured Stars Eyeing Return from PUP

The passage of Week 4 in the 2024 NFL season will represent an important benchmark for some players aiming to make their return to the field.

Those who opened the year on the physically unable to perform list will be eligible to begin practicing again.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (via colleague Ian Rapaport) reported Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is primed to start working out with the team Wednesday, though "things remain fluid and his return timeline is to be determined."

According to Rapoport, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb isn't expected to play in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders, but the Browns will open his three-week practice window Wednesday before they have to either activate him or shut him down for the year.

ESPN's Adam Schefter provided more context on Chubb's status.

"The Browns do not want to rush Chubb and want him to come along at his own pace, but sources around him agree that the star running back is ahead of where many expected him to be at this point in his recovery," he reported Sunday.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is another notable name on the PUP list, but Schefter noted the team's schedule complicates when to trigger his practice window. The Vikings play the New York Jets in London and then have a bye in Week 6.

Schefter went on to report that playing against the Detroit Lions, his former team, on Oct. 20 "might be a bit ambitious for now" given where Hockenson is in his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks, New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee and Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell were among the others placed on the PUP list to open the campaign.

Schefter reported Mitchell's return is tentatively slated for early November, so he may not be practicing anytime soon.

The same may not be true for Brooks based on comments from head coach Dave Canales, who said this week the rookie is in the "final stages" of his recovery.

Likewise, Rapoport reported Bourne will "have his practice window opened." Getting another experienced pass-catcher in the receiving corps could be important if the Patriots wind up shifting Drake Maye into the starting quarterback job in the weeks ahead.

Per Rapoport, Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver D.J. Chark and New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller are expected to practice in Week 5.

The Chiefs placed Edwards-Helaire on the non-football injury list, which kept him out for a minimum of four games, ahead of their opener. Chark (hip) and Miller (hamstring) were both placed on injured reserve before Week 1.

In general, NFL teams have to be strategic when they start to utilize a player's practice window. Those who aren't activated within the three-week period have to remain on the PUP list for the duration of the season.