Browns' Chubb: 1st practice since season-ending injury was 'a dream'

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb took a massive step in his rehab process Thursday when he returned to the team's practice field.

It was Chubb's first practice since he sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 last season. The four-time Pro Bowl tailback underwent multiple procedures to repair his MCL and ACL.

"It didn't feel real. It felt like a dream," Chubb said of returning to practice Thursday, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. "I've been battling this for a while now. It was great to get all that off my shoulders and finally get back out there."

Cleveland activated Chubb from the physically unable to perform list this week. The Browns have until Oct. 23 to add him to the active roster this season. Chubb didn't specify a target date for his 2024 debut.

"Nick's been here every day, so he's not far from what we're doing and far from what we're thinking about," head coach Kevin Stefanski said, per team reporter Kelsey Russo. "He's in every meeting, he's here very early. So, this is just the next natural progression for him."

Chubb, who previously tore multiple ligaments in his left knee while playing for Georgia in 2015, is eager to "play fast" and embrace full contact.

"Once you get out there and you're running around, it's like you're eight years old again," Chubb said per Shook. "It's like riding a bike."

The Browns currently sit 26th in the league with 94.8 yards rushing per game entering Week 5. Jerome Ford is the team's leading rusher with 203 yards. He also has one touchdown and is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is Cleveland's second-leading rusher with 117 yards.

The 1-3 Browns will play the 3-1 Washington Commanders on Sunday.