CLEVELAND (AP) — Surgery is necessary for Nick Chubb’s horrific left knee injury, which is a terrible blow for the top running back for the Cleveland Browns who will now need to endure another difficult rehabilitation in order to play again.
Chubb suffered the injury that ended his season during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Monday night game.
Chubb, a six-year veteran of four Pro Bowls, was injured in the second quarter when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick tackled him low during a carry. The same knee that Chubb injured at Georgia in 2015 and had rebuilt gave way under the impact.
Chubb’s season is finished, according to coach Kevin Stefanski. Regarding the extent of Chubb’s injuries or the timing of the surgery, he did not specify.
It’s probable that Chubb, who most certainly tore many ligaments, will consult with multiple doctors before continuing.
Stefanski expressed his disappointment to Nick via a Zoom call. He will be missed since he is very important to this team and organization. He will, however, recover. I’m not unsure.
Cleveland invited former Brown Kareem Hunt for a visit and workout on Tuesday as the team attempts to reorganize following Chubb’s departure.
After a contentious last season with the Browns, Hunt left Cleveland as a free agency in March after four seasons there. The 28-year-old, who with Kansas City led the NFL in rushing in 2017, requested a trade in 2022 because he was dissatisfied with his terms.
Despite playing in all 17 games, he had lost his explosiveness. He gained 468 yards on the ground and 210 yards through reception.
Hunt is familiar with the Browns’ scheme, so if he signs, he might adjust quickly. On Sunday, the Browns will host Tennessee.
“You don’t take Nick Chubb’s place,” Stefanski declared. “You look around the league, great players go out. A player of his caliber can never be replaced by one person, so everyone must exert a little bit more effort everywhere.
“We’ll consider our options there for who we bring in.”
Chubb’s injury deprives the Browns(1-0) of one of their finest players. Chubb is one of Cleveland’s most well-liked players; he is a quiet and modest man. His businesslike manner and strong work ethic set the tone.
After Chubb went down, quarterback Deshaun Watson and Cleveland’s offense struggled for extended stretches in the 26-22 loss, the Browns’ 20th consecutive regular-season defeat in Pittsburgh.
One of the few bright spots on a somber evening was backup running back Jerome Ford, who will now step in for Chubb.
A second-year back from Cincinnati, Ford replaced Chubb and rushed for 106 yards on 16 carries, a 6.6 yard average. Ford had a 69-yard run and caught a 3-yard TD pass one play after Chubb’s injury.
For now, Pierre Strong Jr. moves up the depth chart behind Ford.
