Sources: Browns’ Nick Chubb to start on PUP, out at least 4 games

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are expected to leave Nick Chubb on the physically unable to perform list, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which means the running back will be inactive for the first four games of the regular season.

Chubb has been rehabbing a severe left knee injury sustained in Week 2 of the 2023 season that sidelined him for the rest of the year and required two surgeries. He underwent the first procedure to repair the medial capsule, meniscus and MCL in late September. The second surgery occurred in November, repairing damage to the ACL.

The Browns expect Chubb, 28, to play this season but have not given a timeline for his return. In late July, general manager Andrew Berry said Chubb has a “a little ways to go.” Days before Berry’s comments, Chubb was seen running full-speed sprints and doing light agility work in a post-practice workout.

Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, had rushed for more than 1,000 yards in four straight seasons before 2023, including a career-high 1,525 in 2022. This is his second significant left knee injury; he tore the MCL, PCL and LCL at the University of Georgia in 2015.

Jerome Ford, who led the Browns with 813 rushing yards last season, is expected to lead the backfield once again while Chubb is sidelined.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Monday announced that starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin will be activated from the PUP list ahead of the roster cut-down deadline, opening the possibility for them to play in Week 1. Both players are returning from season-ending knee injuries sustained last year.

Cornerback Greg Newsome and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, both defensive starters, will be activated from the non-football injury list, Stefanski said. Newsome missed all of training camp after undergoing hamstring surgery, and Tomlinson was sidelined after getting a knee scope. The Browns have expressed confidence both will be ready for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8.

Safety D’Anthony Bell, who started four games in 2023, will also be activated from the PUP list after missing all of camp because of a shin injury.