CLEVELAND (AP) — Nick Chubb made a move on Wednesday more significant than any cutback.
Cleveland’s star running back returned to practice with the Browns for the first time since suffering a grotesque and season-ending left knee injury more than a year ago.
The four-time Pro Bowler could still be a week or two away from playing in a game, but just having the 28-year-old on the field was a boost to the struggling Browns (1-3), which could use something positive.
“With any guy that’s working through injuries and rehabbing, you’re always excited when they’re back in pads,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Nick’s been here every day, so he’s not far from what we’re doing and not far from what we’re thinking about.
“He’s in every meeting. He’s here very early, so this is just the next natural progression for him.”
Chubb is not likely to play Sunday at Washington, but he is expected to be active for a game this month.
The Browns play at Philadelphia on Oct. 13, before hosting Cincinnati on Oct. 20 and Baltimore on Oct. 27.
During the portion of practice open to media members, Chubb took a few handoffs — and went through individual and positional drills.
He was expected to speak with reporters before practice on Thursday.
Chubb had been on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) since the start of the season.
Now that he’s been designated for practice, the Browns can add him to the roster any time in the next 21 days.
Chubb’s 2023 season ended in Week 2, when he was hit on a run inside the 5-yard line by Pittsburgh safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Chubb sustained extensive damage to the same knee he hurt while in college at Georgia.
Chubb needed two surgeries to repair torn ligaments and meniscus.
While the injury was potentially career-threatening, Chubb attacked rehab with his customary verve — and was ahead of schedule throughout his recovery.
He began running in April and was able increase his activities to on-field cutting and agility drills during training camp.
A second-round pick in 2018, Chubb has rushed for 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns in 77 games with Cleveland.
Along with Chubb, running back/returner Nyheim Hines was designated to practice.
Signed as a free agent in March, Hines has been recovering from a torn anterior cruciate suffered in July 2023 — in a personal watercraft accident while he played for Buffalo.
NOTES: TE David Njoku (ankle) practiced and could return this week after missing three straight games. … DE Myles Garrett (Achilles), LT Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), RT Jack Conklin (hamstring), LB Jordan Hicks (ribs/elbow/triceps), C Ethan Pocic (ankle), DE Alex Wright (triceps), CB Greg Newsome II (personal) and DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (illness) did not practice.
Browns rookie Hall
suspended 5 games
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was suspended for five games by the NFL on Tuesday — for violating the league’s personal conduct policy following his arrest this summer for a domestic altercation.
The league said Hall will be eligible for reinstatement on Oct. 7, meaning he has already served four games of the suspension.
The 21-year-old was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list last month as a result of the initial charge.
Per the league’s policy, all regular-season games missed by a player on while on the commissioner’s list are credited against any suspension.
Hall must remit his salary for those missed games.
Hall was charged with domestic violence on Aug. 13 — following the incident involving his fiancee at the home they share in Avon.
The second-round draft pick from Ohio State pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct last month.
Hall was also given a 30-day suspended jail sentence, fined $250, and given two years of monitored time.
Hall was expected to be in Cleveland’s defensive rotation before his off-field issues.
