Browns indicate running back Nick Chubb needs second knee surgery

Doctors performed successful surgery on Nick Chubb‘s knee. And the Browns say their star running back should be back sometime during the 2024 season.

However, Chubb will need a second surgery to repair damage to his anterior cruciate ligament. There had been hope that his ACL wouldn’t need additional work. But once surgeons opened up his knee, they could see more needed to be done. The ACL is the main stabilizer of your knee. On Friday, doctors worked more on Chubb’s medial collateral, a stabilizing ligament on the inside of the knee.

The Browns issued a statement Saturday, providing details about Chubb’s surgery, which happened Friday. Here’s the info from the team:

Browns running back Nick Chubb underwent successful knee surgery yesterday to repair ligament damage sustained in the September 18th game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Team Head Physician James Voos, MD, performed the surgery at University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute. Yesterday’s surgery repaired damage to his medial capsule, meniscus, and medial collateral ligament. As expected, a second surgery will be scheduled to repair his anterior cruciate ligament in the coming months. Estimated recovery time from the surgeries indicate that Nick would be able to return to play at some point in the 2024 season.

An update on Nick Chubb after undergoing surgery.

📰» https://t.co/fB8jNUFKqq pic.twitter.com/3f0WILOll9

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 30, 2023

This is Nick Chubb’s second major knee injury

Chubb suffered the significant knee injury, Sept. 18, during a Monday Night Football game against the Steelers. His knee bent awkwardly after a hit from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The crowd at Acrisure Stadium knew immediately that the injury was a bad one. ESPN didn’t even show replays.

Chubb hurt the same knee back in 2015, when he was starring at Georgia and nearing some of Herschel Walker’s school rushing records. He returned in 2016.

With Nick Chubb on the injured reserve, the Browns signed Kareem Hunt, one of their former running backs, to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. Cleveland also is leaning on Jerome Ford. In relief of Chubb against the Steelers, Ford rushed for 106 yards. He ran for only 18 on 10 carries last Sunday.

The Browns noted that they are keeping Nick Chubb in their thoughts. Coach Kevin Stefanski personally delivered him the game ball after the Browns beat the Titans. Defensive end Myles Garrett wrote Chubb’s name and No. 24 on the tape on his wrist. And Hunt wore a Chubb jersey to the Titans game.

The Browns play the Ravens, Sunday.