By Dianna Russini, Zac Jackson and Mark Puleo
Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb won’t make his return from last season’s serious knee injury until at least Week 5. The 28-year-old will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, according to team sources.
In Week 2 of 2023, Chubb was carted off the field and later revealed to have suffered a torn MCL and damaged ACL. The injury was to the same knee he severely injured in 2015 at the University of Georgia, which cost him much of his sophomore season.
Drafted in the second round by Cleveland in 2018, Chubb is a four-time Pro Bowler and a former All-Pro selection. His 6,511 career rushing yards are the fourth-most in franchise history, while his 48 rushing touchdowns are third-most. In 2022, he ran for a career-high 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns while playing in all 17 games.
In 2023, Jerome Ford filled some of Chubb’s void in the Browns’ offense, totaling 813 yards on 204 carries as the fill-in starter.
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How will Cleveland start the season at RB?
The Browns have long known they wouldn’t have Chubb until at least October, and the team’s hope was always to have Chubb back at close to his best late in the season when the weather turns in AFC North country.
For Week 1, Cleveland’s primary concern is the health of the rest of the running back room. Nyheim Hines, who is also recovering from a torn ACL, missed all of camp. Pierre Strong Jr. and D’Onta Foreman are dealing with rib injuries of unknown severity.
Foreman is expected to be the team’s short-yardage back until Chubb returns. Ford has long been projected as the starter. Strong is one of the team’s best special teams players.
The Browns view Ford as a player capable of lining up across the formation and making plays in the passing game. He’s not a traditional lead running back, but he’s in line for a lot of work — and the team might have to explore external options unless Hines and Foreman both end up ready to play in early September.
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(Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images)
