The Cleveland Browns are expected to keep running back Nick Chubb on the physically unable to perform list, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter, meaning he will not be able to play the first four games of the regular season.

Chubb is currently recovering from a serious injury to his left knee sustained in Week 2 of the 2023 season that sidelined him for the remainder of the year and required two surgeries. The first surgery to repair his medial capsule, meniscus and medial collateral ligament occurred in late September. The second surgery occurred in November and repaired damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Browns expect Chubb, 28, to play this season but have not announced a timetable for his return. In late July, general manager Andrew Berry said Chubb still had “a way to go.” Days before Berry’s comments, Chubb was seen doing full-speed sprints and light agility drills after practice.

Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowl nominee, had rushed for more than 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons before 2023, including a career-high 1,525 yards in 2022. It is his second serious injury to his left knee; he had already torn the medial, posterior and longitudinal ligaments at the University of Georgia in 2015.

Jerome Ford, who led the Browns with 813 rushing yards last season, is expected to lead the backfield again while Chubb is out.