Nick Chubb has not played in an NFL game for over a year. This week, he’s taking a notable step toward making his return.

Chubb is finally off the PUP list after missing the Cleveland Browns’ first 4 games. He’s set to return to practice.

“He’s working very hard. Natural progression is for him to start practicing, and he’s ready to do that,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told media members Monday. “We’ll see how he goes from there. But really not focused much further past Wednesday.”

Coming off the PUP list opens Chubb’s practice window. He can practice for up to 3 weeks before the Browns need to add him to the active roster.

Chubb last played on Sept. 18, 2023. He suffered a knee injury in that Week 2 contest that required multiple surgeries to repair torn ligaments, including his ACL.

Chubb, 28, has been playing professionally since 2018, when he was selected No. 35 overall in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Browns. Chubb is a 4-time Pro Bowl selection (2019-22) and received second-team All-Pro recognition in 2022.

Chubb recorded over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his 4 Pro Bowl seasons. In 2022, he posted career-highs of 302 carries for 1,525 rushing yards. Chubb also scored 12 rushing touchdowns in ’22, tying his career-high from 2020.

Before the injury, Chubb was off to a strong start in 2023 with 28 carries for 170 yards, averaging a career-high 6.1 yards per carry.

The Browns will be glad to get Chubb back. Through 4 games, the Browns are averaging below 100 yards rushing per game (94.8).  Cleveland is 1-3 heading into a Week 5 matchup with the Washington Commanders.