CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb will remain on the physically unable to perform list while he recovers from two surgeries on his left knee, keeping him out for at least the first four games this season.
Chubb has made significant progress in his recovery after he suffered a grotesque, season-ending knee injury in Week 2 last year against Pittsburgh. However, the 28-year-old hasn’t been cleared to practice and needs more time.
Chubb injured the same knee in college while he played at Georgia.
The Browns are confident Chubb will play at some point this season, but both he and the team have not offered a timeline. He’s been doing running and cutting drills on the field during training camp.
The four-time Pro Bowler rushed for a career-high 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022.
The Browns restructured Chubb’s contract during the offseason. He was entering the final year of a three-year, $36.6 million deal he signed in 2021. Chubb’s new contract will allow him to make back money through incentives.
While Chubb works his way back, Jerome Ford will be Cleveland’s primary back. Ford rushed for 813 yards and four TDs last season. He added 44 receptions for 319 yards and five touchdowns.
Cleveland is a little thin behind Ford at the moment as D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. have been dealing with injuries.
Cleveland Browns fans received some disappointing news this week as star running back Nick Chubb will be sidelined for the first four games of the season due to a knee injury. Chubb, who has been a key player for the Browns since being drafted in 2018, suffered the injury during last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Chubb’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, as he has been a consistent and reliable performer on the field. Last season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored eight touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection in the process. His hard-nosed running style and ability to break tackles have made him a fan favorite in Cleveland.
In Chubb’s absence, the Browns will likely turn to backup running back Kareem Hunt to shoulder the load. Hunt, who was signed by the team last season after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs, has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time with the Browns. He will now have the opportunity to prove himself as a capable starter in Chubb’s absence.
While losing Chubb for the first four games is certainly a blow to the Browns, the team is fortunate to have a talented backup like Hunt waiting in the wings. With Hunt leading the rushing attack, the Browns will look to stay competitive in Chubb’s absence and hopefully secure some wins until their star player is able to return to action.