The early news on Nick Chubb's injury is more positive than expected.
Initial tests revealed that the Cleveland Browns running back only suffered a torn MCL in his left knee on Monday night, and the injury is not considered career-threatening, ESPN reports.
Chubb took a goal-line carry when he was hit low by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. His left leg bent in such a way that ESPN opted to not even show the replay - feel free to search it on your own time.
Fans in the stadium saw the replay, though, and let out an audible groan.
The 27-year-old immediately grabbed his knee and was carted off the field to a standing ovation, and the Browns were quick to say that Chubb's season was likely over with what they called a "significant" injury to his knee.
EPSN also said that the ACL was "stretched," but not torn. According to the report, Chubb is likely to undergo surgery this week, and the hope is that more damage isn't found.
The recovery time is roughly six-to-eight months.
Some were quick to say that Fitzpatrick's tackle was dirty, but the six-year veteran defended the hit.
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Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during the second quarter against at Acrisure Stadium. Chubb was injured on the play and taken from the field on a cart. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
"I would say, one: they've never tackled Nick Chubb before if they're telling me to go high," Fitzpatrick told the NFL Network. "Two: What I seen was it opened up, it's goal line. I didn't see anybody on him. I made the decision as soon as I seen the hole open up and him in the hole to go low.
"You can tell me how to tackle him low, but it's a fast game. It's a game (where) you make decisions in milliseconds. Can't really control what happens after you choose to make your decision. I already chose to go low. Somebody got on his back when I was going low, and what happened, happened. There's nothing I really would do differently. Again, like I said earlier, it's very unfortunate. Nick Chubb's a great player. He makes the game a lot better when he's playing. Just hope for a speedy recovery."
Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns is carted off the field after sustaining a knee injury during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Browns lost the Monday night game to their AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers, 26-22. They will face the Tennessee Titans this weekend.