Chubb takes another big step to playing in next week's opener

Nick Chubb admitted Thursday that when he started out on his journey back from the severe knee injury he suffered last October against Tennessee, he didn’t know what to expect.

But he knew some players who could give him a good idea.

Among the advice he received were words of wisdom from former teammate Todd Gurley -- but he wasn’t the only one.

“I had guys to talk to like Robert Edwards, like Willis McGahee, guys who have been through it to get their response and how it’s been for them,” said Chubb, who explained their message to him was the same.

“It just depends on how hard you’re willing to work,” said Chubb.

Chubb – who reached out to McGahee via Instagram - could not have picked a better group for advice.

Edwards – the former Bulldog – injured his knee during the 1999 Beach Bowl in Hawaii during the Pro Bowl while McGahee tore the ACL, PCL and MCL, but still went on to enjoy a 10-year career in the NFL, an occupation to which Chubb certainly aspires.

“I thank them for their advice,” Chubb said. “I told them I’m going to work.”

Work he has.

Although head coach Kirby Smart has yet to officially declare whether or not Chubb will play in the Sept. 3 opener at the Georgia Dome against North Carolina, all indications are he’s ready to go.

This week, the junior was able to surpass another milestone when he was allowed to ditch the brace he’s been wearing on his left knee ever since his surgery late last year.

“It’s my third day,” Chubb smiled. “It’s different because I had the brace for so long but it’s another step forward, definitely. Every step is important.”

According to Chubb, his recent brace was the last in a series of five he’s had to wear since beginning his rehabilitation.

“Each new one was a little smaller, a little lighter,” said Chubb, who artfully dodged a question as to whether or not he would definitely play in the game next week.

“I can’t say anything,” Chubb said. “I’m just getting myself ready, getting my teammates ready and day by day, just prepare hard as if you’re going to play and hopefully things will fall into place.”

When reminded that Smart told reporters on Wednesday that the running back was “in line” to get carries, Chubb smiled. “I saw that,” he said. “But he hasn’t said anything to me so I don’t know.”

But assuming he does, all eyes in the Georgia Dome will be squarely on No. 27. Even his own teammates.

“No, not at all,” said wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, when asked if he would be surprised by anything Chubb is able to do. “Whenever Nick get on the field, it’s a whole new ball game. I’m just watching. I’m watching every move.”

Chubb admitted getting to run out on the field for the first time since the game last October in Knoxville will be one he won’t soon forget.

“I know it will be very special for everybody,” Chubb said. “There’s been a lot of people supporting me and cheering me on. I know it will be great.”