Cleveland Browns’ star running back Nick Chubb is set to remain on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from dual surgeries on his left knee, which means he will miss at least the initial four games of the upcoming season. Chubb has been showing considerable improvement following a severe knee injury that ended his season last year in Week 2 against Pittsburgh, but he has not yet received medical clearance to resume practice and needs more time for rehabilitation. It’s noteworthy that Chubb had previously injured the same knee during his college days at Georgia.

The Browns are optimistic that Chubb will return to play at some stage during the season, although neither the player nor the team has disclosed a specific timeline for his comeback. During training camp, the 28-year-old has been participating in running and cutting drills on the field. In 2022, Chubb garnished his career with a remarkable accomplishment, rushing for a career-best 1,525 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.

In preparation for his return, the Browns reorganized Chubb’s contract in the offseason. Formerly on the final year of a three-year, $36.6 million deal inked in 2021, Chubb’s new contract structure allows for additional earnings through performance incentives. In Chubb’s absence, Jerome Ford is anticipated to take on the leading running back role for Cleveland. Ford displayed solid performance last season, rushing for 813 yards and securing four touchdowns. He also contributed 44 receptions for 319 yards and five additional touchdowns.

As Chubb progresses in his recovery journey, Cleveland’s backfield is somewhat thin behind Ford, with both D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. currently contending with injuries that may affect their availability for upcoming games.