The Texans Addition of Nick Chubb Provides Hopeful Depth

The veteran running back must prove he's healthy to contribute

The Houston Texans needed some depth at running back. They seem ready to turn to free agent Nick Chubb to help try to solve their depth problem.

The 29-year-old former Cleveland Browns running back had his career derailed in 2023 when he suffered a devastating knee injury. He started last season on the physically unable to perform list before playing in eight games for the Browns.

Chubb rushed for 332 yards and scored four touchdowns in eight appearances. He broke his foot in December, ending his comeback season.

The Texans didn’t possess a true fill-in for Joe Mixon before signing Chubb. They still might be missing that element. Chubb has plenty to prove, but the former Browns running back has a better chance to fill the role than the rest of the roster. Even a diminished Chubb presents a better option to replace an injured Mixon.

Dameon Pierce hasn’t been able to capture the success he showcased in his rookie year. Pierce was injured when Mixon was injured last season. Most of the success from Pierce’s 2024 came on two offensive plays. Half of Pierce’s yards last season came on two rushes. A new offense might suit Pierce, but when general manager Nick Caserio talked about Pierce this offseason, his work on special teams was what he mentioned first.

Dare Ogunbowale is best cast as a third-down running back and contributor on special teams. He, too, was mentioned for his prowess on special teams when Caserio talked about the running back room.

Rookie running back Woody Marks isn’t a bell-cow running back. He is a challenger for Ogunbowale’s position. British Brooks didn’t make the team as a running back last year. J.J. Taylor’s size prevents him from being the true Mixon backup. Jawhar Jordan was on and off the practice squad of the Texans last year.

Chubb was needed. The current running backs weren’t a confidence-inducing group if Mixon went down.

Chubb must be better than last season to help, though.

Last year’s performance was some of the worst football of Chubb’s career. He’d never averaged below five yards per attempt, but last season he averaged 3.3 yards per attempt. The Browns were bad at blocking, but the dynamic play that made him a four-time Pro Bowler wasn’t there often.

Getting further away from the knee injury should give Chubb a chance to bounce back. Many players struggle to access their new normal the season after a major knee injury. Chubb certainly appeared to have dealt with that. It isn’t unfathomable to expect a better version of Chubb than 2024’s poor performer. He’s showcased his improvement in the weight room, squatting over 500 pounds.

If Chubb recaptures 75% of his pre-injury form, he is a worthwhile backup. He can spell Mixon and help keep the fellow veteran fresh. If Mixon can’t go, Chubb is the best fit to be a true replacement while Mixon is unavailable.

I preferred someone like J.K. Dobbins to Chubb. Dobbins is also a free agent and rushed for over 900 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He might command more investment, and Dobbins has an argument to be involved in a competition to start. Chubb has to prove he can play well again.

The running back room is fine, but not spectacular. There are avenues to success for the running backs, but there’s not a lot of room for error. Long-term, Houston needs to get younger at the position. Mixon will turn 29 this year. Chubb is already 29. Ogunbowale is 31. Pierce is 25 and in the last year of his rookie contract. Despite being a rookie, Marks will turn 25 in December.

In a perfect world, Chubb is a lightly used backup who has decent upside should Mixon be hurt. Success running the football in 2025 is dependent on Mixon. Chubb for any long stretch could be rough. Relying on Chubb isn’t ideal, but in a pinch, he’s now the best non-Mixon option.

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