Might Nick Chubb play on a limited basis early in the Browns season? Hey, Mary Kay!

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In this week’s edition of Hey, Mary Kay! I answer questions about Nick Chubb, David Njoku and more. Most of the questions come from our Football Insider subscribers. To become one, click here, or on the blue banner at the top of the cleveland.com/browns page. Thanks so much!

Hey, Mary Kay:

Given (running back trainer) Brad Lester’s glowing remarks about Nick Chubb’s recovery, do you think we may see Nick on a very limited basis early in the season? Perhaps 5-10 snaps? — Mike Parker, Chester, MD

Hey, Mike: Chubb’s new offseason running back trainer did tell me he’s never seen someone recover so quickly from a torn ACL, and he’s worked with other clients who have had them, including the Saints’ Alvin Kamara. He noted that it’s possible Chubb could be ready for the opener Sept. 8 against the Cowboys given his performance in single-leg stability drills and other metrics, but he also preached caution and Chubb taking his time.

We all know Chubb wants to be in uniform for the opener to set the tone for the season, but it’s more important to have him healthy for the playoff run at the end. I could see the Browns possibly making him active Week 1 in part for the emotional lift, but perhaps not playing him much or at all. A lot will depend on what he’s able to do in training camp and the preseason, but never bet against Chubb, who’s superhuman.

Hey, Mary Kay!

Last season David Njoku dropped 11 passes, 4 more than any other tight end, and in the 11 full games he’s played with Deshaun Watson, Njoku has averaged 3.4 catches for 31 yards, with only 3 TDs. Meanwhile Njoku averaged 6.2 catches for 80 yards, with 4 TDs in six games with Joe Flacco. Do you think Watson and Njoku will increase their production this season, and if so, why? — Thanks, Christian in Hudson

Hey, Christian: Pro Football Focus has Njoku tied for the league lead last season with seven drops, but you still don’t want to be at the top of that list. I think Njoku struggled the most when the Browns were starting their two young backups, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker, who combined for two touchdown passes and nine interceptions under some trying circumstances. I also think Njoku struggled to adjust to the four different quarterbacks he had to work with, and finally got focused and settled down towards the end after he suffered his harrowing burn accident.

As for his timing and chemistry with Watson, I think it will be fine this season. I don’t think Watson was close to healthy in most of the games he played last season, including the 33-31 victory over the Ravens. I believe Njoku will flourish with a healthy Watson and catch those 8 TD passes I keep saying he’s got in him with good QB play.

Hey, Mary Kay:

Other than offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, which new Browns assistant will have the most impact? — Tom, Middlebury, Conn.

Hey, Tom: There are so many good ones, I don’t know if I can pick! I think Jacques Cesaire will have a big impact on the defensive line. I already saw it during OTAs and minicamp. He’s a big, booming personality who will demand maximum effort from his guys and is expecting “a lot more” from Myles Garrett.

Running backs coach Duce Staley brought the juice during minicamp and has the backs playing fast and aggressively. Offensive line coach Andy Dickerson is not fazed in the slightest by having to follow Bill Callahan, and has the players buying into his program.

Tight ends coach and passing game specialist Tommy Rees will have a big impact on the offense overall and will bring some of that Nick Saban excellence from Alabama. It’s a good, bright energetic staff and I believe the new coaches will bring out the best in their players.

Hey, Mary Kay:

Do you think Jed Wills Jr. at left tackle and Dawand Jones at right tackle is a lock? What about Jack Conklin? — Randy from Southbury CT

Hey, Randy: I think a lot will depend on which of the three tackles are healthiest at the start of the season. Wills and Conklin haven’t practiced yet, but will ramp up during training camp, which begins July 25.

I’ve been speculating that perhaps Conklin might need at least a few weeks into the season to return given that he tore both his ACL and MCL in September, but he posted an encouraging message on his Instagram account on Saturday night, noting that he could never have made it back from multiple injuries without the support of his wife, Caitlyn, but also stating, “I talked to @nchubb27 and there may be one dark knight, but the first person to rise from the pit was bane (another Batman character).#Imback.”

It’s great news for the Browns that their two-time All-Pro right tackle is on the mend. It presents a good problem when all three are healthy coming off of their knee injuries, but there aren’t many tackles in the NFL better than Conklin.

Hey Mary Kay!

Do the Browns seem content with their tight end room or do you see the team adding a veteran tight end after roster cuts at the end of training camp? — David in Louisville, Kentucky.

Hey, David: I think the Browns will keep their eyes open for good, young tight ends shaking out in roster cuts, or perhaps even a veteran. They’ll also possibly be on the lookout for trade possibilities. They have David Njoku and Jordan Akins as their top two tight ends, and Zaire Mitchell-Paden as a young prospect, but can probably use at least one more tight end who can contribute this season.

Even though they’ll play more three- and four-receiver sets, Kevin Stefanski and Ken Dorsey both like to use multiple tight ends.

Hey, Mary Kay:

The Nick Chubb video was very encouraging. So how do you balance him saying he is ready Week 1-4 to trying to save him till later in season? He has already proved not normal but superhuman. — Mavro in Cbus

Hey, Mavro: The Browns and their medical staff will know when it’s safe to out Chubb back out on the field, and they won’t rush it. They feel great about their current running back corps, with a top three of Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong Jr. and D’Onta Foreman.

Running backs coach Duce Staley is coaching these guys hard, and they’re playing fast and aggressively. The new energy in the room has been good for everyone, and Chubb will have all the time he needs to come back with confidence and power.

I think it would be great to have him involved in the opener somehow for the emotional lift it will bring, but whether or not he’s ready to play remains to be seen. I would probably err on the side of caution, but that’s not really how Chubb rolls.

Hey Mary Kay:

Do you think Deshaun Watson will return to his elite level form under offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey? — Alex Mohney from Chesapeake, VA. Originally from Ashtabula, Ohio and active-duty Navy!

Hey, Alex: Thanks so much for your service! It’s much appreciated! I absolutely think Watson can return to his elite form this season under Dorsey and Stefanski, who are committed to maximizing his talent and giving him every chance to excel.

He has everything he needs to succeed this season, providing Amari Cooper is back soon from his contract holdout. I was surprised at his arm strength during minicamp, and believe he’ll be mostly back to himself by the start of the season. If the repaired shoulder holds up and can absorb multiple violent collisions each game, I see no reason he can’t be the three-time Pro Bowler he was in Houston.

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