Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb and Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson headline a list of players eligible to come off the physically unable to perform and non-football injury lists who could return to practice this week.
League sources told ESPN that the Browns are expected to open the practice window this week on Chubb, who is nearing a return from the PUP list after being sidelined since his devastating knee injury in Week 2 of last season.
Once Chubb is designated to return to practice, the Browns will have three weeks to reinstate him to their active roster. If he is not activated during that window, he would have to miss the entire season.
Other players expected to return to practice from the PUP list this week or shortly thereafter include Hockenson, Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell, Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Saints running back Kendre Miller and Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr.
Chubb, 28, has undergone two surgeries on his left knee since tearing multiple ligaments against the Steelers on Sept. 18 on “Monday Night Football.” Cleveland remains unsure when Chubb will be activated to play in a game, but the four-time Pro Bowler is being counted on to contribute at some point in the near future, according to league sources.
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.
The same is true of Hockenson, who also suffered a significant knee injury against his former team — the Lions — on Dec. 24 last season. The Vikings have an unconventional upcoming practice schedule; they travel to London this week to play the Jets before going on their bye the following week. Minnesota then has Week 7 home game against the Lions before a Thursday night game in Los Angeles against the Rams on Oct. 24.
The most likely return dates for Hockenson are the Rams game or the following week’s home game against the Colts.
The Vikings recognize that it would be special and meaningful for Hockenson to return Oct. 20 against Detroit, but that return date might be a bit ambitious for now, according to sources.
More will be determined once Hockenson’s practice window officially is opened and he begins ramping back up to return to play. But Hockenson’s progress has impressed all those around him, according to sources.
The Panthers also are counting on getting back Brooks, the former Texas running back who tore his ACL in November against TCU. Panthers coach Dave Canales said last week that Brooks is in the final stages of returning to play, and he could begin practicing this week.
Mitchell is expected to begin practicing soon, and the Ravens could have him back on the field in early November, according to league sources.
