Fantasy Alert: Nick Chubb Expected to Play for Browns vs. Bengals in Injury Return

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb will play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday after being activated from the PUP list, but how many touches he receives is still up in the air.

Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey said on Thursday that Chubb's workload is "still a work in progress," per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi.

"We want to make sure that he's available for the long term," Dorsey told reporters.

Chubb last played in September 2023, when suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Browns running backs Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman are also injured, so Cleveland may give more carries to Pierre Strong Jr. if Chubb is limited.

Ford is currently week-to-week with a hamstring injury suffered during last Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Foreman has been limited in practice heading into Week 7 with a groin injury. He and Strong carried the majority of the workload against the Eagles after Ford left the game, combining for 18 carries and 74 yards.

Depending on Foreman's practice availability, he or Strong could be fantasy options to consider heading into Week 7.

Stefanski said on Wednesday that Chubb's workload would depend on his progress in practice throughout the week.

"I don't have a specific number right this minute but want to see Nick practice this week and then huddle up with Nick and with the coaches," Stefanski said on Wednesday, per team reporter Kelsey Russo.

The running back meanwhile told reporters on Wednesday that his knee feels "good."

Although the Browns are likely to show caution with Chubb's return to the field following two surgeries and 13 months away from the field, he remains a potential fantasy starter in large part due to Cleveland's limited offensive options.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has completed 61.3 percent of his passes so far this season, while throwing five touchdowns and three picks, to lead what is currently ranked as one of the bottom four pass offenses in the NFL.

The Browns are meanwhile preparing to face the Bengals' defense, which has allowed 876 rushing yards through six games.

Given the Browns' passing struggles and the Bengals' defensive issues, Foreman and Chubb could both be fantasy options this week, depending on their respective practice availability. Should Foreman remain limited, managers could consider Strong as a choice for Week 7.

The Browns will likely hope to increase Chubb's touches going forward. As he continues to ramp up his workload, the four-time Pro Bowler could be a fantasy game-changer for Week 8 and beyond.