Chubb: Knee feels good, return date uncertain

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb said Thursday that his surgically repaired left knee is feeling better after his first practice in more than a year, but he's not sure when he'll make his season debut.

Chubb practiced Wednesday for the first time since undergoing season-ending knee surgery in Week 2 of the 2023 season, but he is unlikely to play Sunday against the Washington Commanders. He has another procedure to repair damage to his medial capsule, meniscus and MCL in late September, and his ACL in November.

“It felt good,” Chubb said before his second practice Thursday. “I've been doing my own thing for a while now, so I'm used to everything I've done there. It feels good.”

Asked if he expects to return to his previous form, he added: “I guess we'll all find out at the same time.”

Neither the Browns nor Chubb, who spent the first four games of the season on the physically unable to perform list, has committed to a date for his season debut. Cleveland will have 21 days to activate him on the 53-man roster.

“Whenever I feel good,” Chubb said when asked how much time he'll need before the game.

Chubb, who tore his MCL, PCL and LCL in his left knee while at the University of Georgia in 2015, said he's not worried about contact or getting hurt again.

“Once you get out there and you're running around, it's like you're 8 years old again,” Chubb said. “It's like riding a bike. It's not in my head. You can't control it. So, I'm going to go out there and play fast.”

Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey said it was too early to evaluate Chubb after one practice.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection would be a welcome addition to an offense that has struggled through the first month of the season. Cleveland ranks 26th in both points per game (16.5) and rushing yards per game (94.8). Quarterback Deshaun Watson also posted a 23.7 total QBR, the worst mark in the NFL among qualified passers.