Cleveland Browns' 53-man roster projection: When will RB Nick Chubb return? (2024)

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns open the 2024 NFL regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

After years of instability, the Browns have continuity from top to bottom. Earlier in the offseason, the franchise gave contract extensions to head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. That stability is also reflected in a talented and deep roster.

On defense, Cleveland returns the overwhelming majority of a unit that finished last season as one of the NFL's best. On offense, there are more questions, particularly with the installation of a new scheme, how quarterback Deshaun Watson will look in his return from injury, and the status of running back Nick Chubb, who is rehabbing a pair of knee surgeries. But the Browns should once again have a strong offensive line.

Here is a 53-man roster projection as the Browns open training camp.

QUARTERBACKS (3): Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson

There's no question on the starter or backup after the Browns signed Winston in free agency to replace Joe Flacco. There is some question surrounding the No. 3 quarterback if Cleveland keeps a third passer. Thompson-Robinson started three games as a rookie before a season-ending hip injury. The team signed Tyler Huntley, a former Ravens backup, to add depth in the position room. Huntley has experience, but Thompson-Robinson impressed the team as a rookie.

RUNNING BACKS (3): Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman, Nyheim Hines

There is still uncertainty with Nick Chubb, who has yet to be cleared after sustaining a severe knee injury last September that required a pair of surgeries. The team has been happy with his progress in rehab, but he could start the season on the physically unable to perform list to give him more time to round into form.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, James Proche II, Jamari Thrash

Jeudy joins a wide receiver room that's rather unproven outside of Cooper. Tillman was one of the standouts from offseason workouts. There should be plenty of competition for a final spot or two.

TIGHT ENDS (3): David Njoku, Jordan Akins, Giovanni Ricci

There isn't much proven depth behind Njoku after Harrison Bryant left in free agency. Ricci is a hybrid player who can fill a role as a tight end, fullback or H-back.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10): Jedrick Wills Jr., Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones, Zak Zinter, Michael Dunn, James Hudson III, Brian Allen

This group could be impacted by injury, as Wills, Conklin and Jones are all returning from season-ending knee injuries. Jones progressed to participating in offseason workouts, but Wills and Conklin were sidelined. When healthy, the Browns have three starting-caliber tackles.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (10): Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst II, Quinton Jefferson, Mike Hall Jr.

How deep is the Browns' defensive line? The team's top selection in the 2024 NFL draft, second-round pick Mike Hall Jr., faces an uphill battle to get into the rotation, and 2023 third-round pick Siaki Ika, is battling for a roster spot. It's a good problem to have for a team that likes to rotate its defensive linemen.

LINEBACKERS (5): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Jordan Hicks, Devin Bush, Mohamoud Diabate, Tony Fields II

Hicks is expected to slot as a starter next to Owusu-Koramoah, providing leadership and knowledge of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme. With the new kickoff rules, the Browns could have an extra linebacker and bigger body who can contribute.

CORNERBACKS (6): Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., Greg Newsome II, Cameron Mitchell, Tony Brown II, Justin Hardee Sr.

The Browns return their top three corners from last season, all of whom thrived when Schwartz left them on islands in man coverage.

SAFETIES (4): Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill, Rodney McLeod Jr., D'Anthony Bell

The Browns are healthy at safety again after Delpit, Thornhill and McLeod all dealt with injuries in 2023. There's depth, too, with Bell getting plenty of experience when he filled in.

SPECIAL TEAMS (3): Dustin Hopkins, Corey Bojorquez, Charley Hughlett

The Browns have the same kicking battery as last season and that includes Hopkins, who recently agreed to a three-year, $15.9 million extension that makes him one of the five highest-paid kickers in the NFL.