Texans running back Nick Chubb has been one of the most explosive ball carriers in football for most of his career, but the player who made all those big plays in Cleveland may not be the same one as the player who will turn 30 this year in Houston.
Asked about comparing Chubb, who has played in just 10 games over the last two seasons, to the younger and healthier version of him, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged he may not be the same.
“When it comes to Chubb, and how am I comparing him? You know, guys age. He’s been through a lot. It’s not always gonna be the same as his early years in the NFL, but what I hang my hat on with him is that this guy loves football. He’s physical, he plays the right way, he prepares himself the right way, really sharp guy when it comes to the protection scheme. He's on it. He's helping out the guys," Ryans said. "I'm excited to see him play football, that's what he's always been, he's always been a tremendous football player, especially when he's healthy, so he's still working his way back, looks like he's in really good shape, and he'll continue to get better."
Chubb suffered a serious knee injury in 2023 and a broken foot in 2024. With Texans running back Joe Mixon now dealing with a foot injury, the Texans would like to see Chubb physically able to carry a heavy load. Chubb says he feels great, but it may not be realistic to think he can be the same ball carrier he once was.
Joe Mixon’s Injury Shouldn’t Cause Panic Yet
Training camp injuries happen. While this injury to Mixon is a setback, it seems by all accounts it is not season-ending or anything major. That is good for the outlook of the Texans’ pivotal season. It means next man up for the running back room.
The Texans signed Nick Chubb in the offseason as a backup to Mixon, and it looks like he will be the RB1 to start the season. Training camp videos have shown more of the old Chubb as he is looking to return to form after missing 18 games over the last two seasons due to injury.
It will also open the door to fourth-round rookie Woody Marks getting more opportunities to showcase his abilities in camp and in the pre-season while Dameon Pierce is working his way back off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
J.J. Taylor is still on the roster, and Dare Ogunbowale is still there as a pass catcher in the backfield.
The depth chart will provide enough options for the Texans to make it through the preseason and Week 1, so panicking over Joe Mixon’s injury is not necessary right now. If more news arises in the coming weeks that the injury is worse or requires surgery, only then may panic ensue.
