Nick Chubb activated off COVID-19 list on Friday, on track to play in Week 11

Friday update: The Browns activated Nick Chubb off the COVID-19 IR list on Friday. Once his conditioning is sorted out, he stands a good chance of playing this weekend against the Lions.

Thursday update: Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told the media on Thursday that “things are trending in the right direction” for Nick Chubb to return from the COVID-19 list, per Jake Trotter. His status for Sunday remains in question heading into the end of the week.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday that star running back Nick Chubb is still on the COVID-19 list and uncertain to play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, per Nate Ulrich.

Fantasy football implications

Chubb missed last week’s game against the New England Patriots as he tested positive for COVID-19. The Browns were also without Kareem Hunt, which meant that D’Ernest Johnson got the start at running back. Johnson was one of the lone bright spots for the Browns as he had 99 rushing yards on 19 carries, along with seven receptions for 58 yards.

If Chubb cannot play on Sunday, then Johnson will likely get his third start of the season against the Lions. In his first two starts against the Broncos and Patriots, the 25-year-old running back scored 20-plus fantasy points. The Lions’ defense struggled last week against rookie running back Najee Harris, who had over 100 yards on the ground.