Could junior running back Nick Chubb return in time for the Sept. 3 season opener against North Carolina?

If you missed it over the weekend, this photo emerged showing off the running back’s scar following last season’s surgery. While Georgia fans are cautiously optimistic following Chubb’s return to the practice field this spring, some orthopedic doctors aren’t so sure according to Gridiron Now writer Tony Barnhart.

Barnhart was a recent guest on the The Frank Frangie Show on 1010XL in Jacksonville and stated the medical professionals he spoke to believe Chubb won’t return to full strength until around October.

“The orthopedic people that I’ve talked to say from the date you injure the way he injured that knee, it’s a calendar year,” Barnhart said. “So if he comes back before the end of September, I’m going to be surprised.

“But if he comes back anywhere close to what he was before, Georgia’s going to develop the quarterback and they’re going to have a pretty good football team.”

Chubb was injured Oct. 10, 2015, making a Sept. 3 return one month short of the doctor’s calendar year window. Whether those medical professionals have ever dealt with an athlete on the same level as Chubb is unclear. For reference, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson tore his ACL in December of 2011 and returned to the field the following September. So Chubb’s return in 11 months has proven to be possible.

Likely possessing better knowledge of his physical therapy and treatment, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart remains optimistic Chubb will be ready to go against North Carolina in the opener.

This news shouldn’t close the door on Chubb making his a full return by the season’s kickoff in the Georgia Dome but should stand as a reminder the uphill climb the junior is currently facing. If anyone in college football can beat the odds and return early from such a tough injury, it’s Chubb.