Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is reportedly expected to remain on the physically unable to play list at the start of the 2024 NFL season, which will make him unfit for the team’s first four games, league sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN‘S Adam Schefter Monday (August 26) morning.
“Cleveland is expected to keep Nick Chubb on the physically unable to perform list, which league sources say means he will be ineligible to play in the first four games of the season,” Schefter wrote on his X-account.
Chubb, 28, underwent multiple surgeries in 2023 after suffering a season-ending injury in his second game last September. Browns previously announced that Chubb is expected to be “ready to play in the 2024 season” after undergoing a “successful” second surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in November.
“Browns running back Nick Chubb underwent his scheduled second surgery today to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of a knee injury sustained in September’s game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh,” the team said at the time. “The team’s chief physician James VoosMD, performed the surgery at the University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute. Dr. Voos considered today’s surgery a success and added that Nick’s recovery has gone very well following his first surgery in late September. As previously announced, the estimated recovery time following these surgeries indicates that Nick will be able to return to play in the 2024 season.”
Chubb was carried off the field during the Browns’ 26-22 tie. Monday Night Football Lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 18 after an attack by the Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick at the 3-yard line. The four-time Pro Bowler had previously dislocated his left knee and suffered tears in his MCL, PCL and LCL during his college career at the University of Georgia in 2015. Schefter reported at that time.
Monday Night Football commentator Joe Buck said he was told that the repetition of the injury was “not visible” as ESPN refrained from showing it during the live broadcast, with co-commentator Troy Aikman and added: “It’s as bad as you can imagine.”
The replay actually appeared to be shown at Acrisure Stadium, which Buck described as a “loud gasp.” The Pittsburgh crowd also chanted “Chubb” as the All-Pro running back was carried off the field, according to Buck.
Fitzpatrick also appeared to be injured in the game and was later ruled out with a pectoral injury. Chubb was coming off a season in which he recorded career-highs of 1,525 yards, 12 touchdowns and 302 rushing attempts and was named to the 2022 All-Pro second team.
