The Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Giants on Sunday night, but suffered a significant loss of their own on the offensive line.
Browns offensive lineman Chris Hubbard will undergo season-ending knee surgery this week to repair torn ligaments suffered in Sunday’s win. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported after the game that Hubbard dislocated his kneecap, which the surgery will correct.
#Browns OL Chris Hubbard is having surgery this week to repair torn ligaments in his knee, sources said, as his season is over following the injury last night. His kneecap was dislocated and the procedure will repair the associated damage.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2020
While not a bonafide starter, Hubbard is a crucial contributor along Cleveland’s outstanding offensive line. He had started at right tackle the last two years, and seen significant time at right guard and left tackle this season.
Hubbard was replacing injured starter Wyatt Teller when he suffered the injury. Teller is not expected to make his return any time soon.
Undrafted out of the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Hubbard was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent in 2013. He played four seasons in Pittsburgh and started ten game his final season, but ultimately signed with Cleveland in 2018.
Hubbard’s injury is a massive loss for a Browns offensive line that has been one of the league’s best this season. Cleveland owns the NFL’s third-best run game, and has only allowed 18 sacks all season, the third-fewest in football.
Cleveland travels back to the Meadowlands for a date with the New York Jets next weekend, before returning home to host Pittsburgh in the regular season finale on Jan. 3.