NFL Rumors: Nick Chubb to Miss 1st 4 Browns Games, Stay on PUP List amid Injury Rehab

The Cleveland Browns are expected to keep star running back Nick Chubb on the physically unable to perform list to begin the 2024 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Chubb won't be eligible to return until Week 5. The 28-year-old was initially placed on the list to begin training camp on July 24.

He's still recovering from a season-ending knee injury that occurred in Week 2 of the 2023 season.

Chubb suffered damage to his ACL, MCL, medial capsule and meniscus in his left knee that required multiple surgeries.

The Browns' coaching staff and front office have been impressed with his recovery throughout the offseason.

"I'd say Nick is progressing exactly where he should be," head coach Kevin Stefanski said on July 26, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic. "You know Nick. I know Nick. I mean, he's pushing it. He's doing everything that [the team's medical staff is] asking him to do, and as much as he can do more than that, within reason, within what the medical side wants him to do."

Chubb doesn't have a definitive timetable for his return, as Browns general manager Andrew Barry said that the team will deal with his timeline "day by day" on July 29 (per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi).

With the four-time Pro Bowl running back out for the start of the season, Cleveland should rely on Jerome Ford to earn the bulk of the team's carries after he recorded 813 yards in 2023.

Chubb has established himself as one of the NFL's top running backs when healthy, racking up at least 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns in each of the four seasons prior to his injury-shortened 2023 campaign.

The Browns will need to survive without Chubb to begin the year as they attempt to earn consecutive playoff berths for the first time since 1989.