Cleveland Browns

While Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has been working hard in the weight room, there's no timetable yet for his return in 2024. "I don't know that we'll go past today and this week at least that's the way I'm looking at it," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "I can promise you he's working very hard early in the morning. He's here, he's attacking his rehab. That's the best way I can put it. When he's ready, he'll be ready." The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year. While he'll be sticking around with the team in 2024, it's unclear if he'll be ready by training camp this summer or if the Browns will be forced to ease him into the fold in the opening portion of the 2024 campaign. Because of the uncertainty around how Chubb will bounce back, it will make him an extremely risky RB1 in fantasy.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is "not sure" when running back Nyheim Hines (knee) will practice with the team for the first time. The 27-year-old is rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered off the field last offseason as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Despite that, the Browns signed him to a one-year, $1.15 million deal after free agency began. Since being traded to the Bills in the middle of the 2022 campaign, Hines has rushed for negative three yards and caught five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Cleveland has Nick Chubb (knee), D'Onta Foreman, and Jerome Ford on the roster. That said, it'd be surprising if Hines has a role in the offense this season, but he could be a factor in the kick return game if he can work his way back from the unfortunate injury.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) told reporters on Tuesday that he is "throwing full speed" with no limitations on motion or velocity. The 28-year-old said he's making 40-yard and 60-yard throws while following his doctor's lead, and the plan is for him to participate in OTAs in late May or early June in some capacity. However, the former Pro Bowl quarterback and the organization are likely to be careful with him during that time and focus on getting him 100% ready for training camp. Watson was limited to just six games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, and he has only played in 12 total games over the last three years. Although it's been a long time since he has delivered strong fantasy numbers, his QB21 price tag in early FFPC drafts makes him worth taking a flier on for the 2024 campaign.

The Cleveland Browns and star running back Nick Chubb (knee) agreed on a reworked contract for the 2024 season on Thursday to lower his base salary of $11.775 million, according to sources. Chubb will have a chance to earn it back via incentives after working his way back from a gruesome season-ending left-knee injury that he suffered in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-year-old isn't going anywhere, but he won't be as much of a sure thing as an RB1 in fantasy leagues after tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus in 2023. Even if he's ready to go for Week 1 this fall for the Browns, Cleveland could choose to ease Chubb in and give more touches to Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines. We'll keep a close eye on Chubb's recovery this offseason.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) said that he'll be ready for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season after having shoulder surgery last year. Watson also said recently that he's "in a great spot" and has "plenty of time to ramp up the throwing sessions" this offseason after having surgery on Nov. 21 to fix a displaced glenoid fracture in his right shoulder. The 28-year-old probably won't do everything during offseason workouts this spring, but he should be ready to go in full this summer at training camp. Watson has only played in 12 games over the last three seasons due to injury and suspension, but he remains the Browns' starter under center and still has the talent to be a midrange QB1 with the weapons he has around him in Cleveland.