The Broncos will have their top pass-rusher back Sunday. After a two-plus-month absence, Bradley Chubb is set to return, with Mike Klis of 9News reporting the Pro Bowl outside linebacker will be activated off IR.
Chubb’s progress slowed late this week, due to a setback in practice, per Klis. Vic Fangio declared him “50-50” to suit up against the Chargers. It appears the fourth-year defender has shown enough to return, a development that represents big news for a Broncos team that has seen much change at the linebacker spot since Chubb’s lone 2021 cameo — in Week 2.
Two ankle surgeries have marred Chubb’s 2021 slate. The second knocked him out for a lengthy stretch, providing the former top-five pick’s second extended absence of his career. In the time since Chubb last played, the Broncos saw inside starters Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson suffer season-ending injuries. The team also ended the Chubb-Von Miller partnership, one that saw injuries prevent it from making much of an impact, by trading the future Hall of Famer to the Rams.
After recovering from the ACL tear that ended his 2019 season early, Chubb recorded 7.5 sacks and 19 QB hits last season. The North Carolina State product registered 12 as a rookie. After picking up his fifth-year option, new GM George Paton called Chubb a core player. Given Chubb’s injury issues, this upcoming stretch run stands to be pivotal for his future — and the Broncos’ hopes at making a late playoff push.
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