CLEVELAND — The physical work to repair Nick Chubb's injured left knee appears to be over. Now, the extensive rehab efforts begin.
The Browns' All-Pro running back underwent his second successful surgery Tuesday, this time on his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Officials confirmed head team physician Dr. James Voos performed the operation at University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute in Beachwood.
Chubb, one of the NFL's best rushers since breaking into the league in 2018, hurt his knee on a low tackle from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick during a Week 2 game in Pittsburgh. It was the same knee Chubb had torn while playing in college for Georgia, and while the Browns had initially hoped he had only torn his medial collateral ligament (MCL), an initial surgery back in September made clear he had damaged his ACL, too.
Chubb's 2023 season ended the minute he was carted off the field at Acrisure Stadium (where even Steeler fans gave him a standing ovation and chanted his name), but per the team, Voos says the 27-year-old "has progressed very well" in his recovery. The club says he is expected to return sometime during the 2024 season, although exactly when has still not been determined.
With 6,511 career yards, Chubb is Cleveland's fourth leading rusher all-time. However, the team has gone an impressive 5-2 in his absence, bolstered in the run game by second-year back Jerome Ford (673 scrimmage yards, four total touchdowns) and the return of Willoughby South alum Kareem Hunt (six rushing TDs).