Texans to Sign Nick Chubb, Creating Roster Crunch at Running Back

The Houston Texans have reportedly agreed to terms with veteran running back Nick Chubb, formerly of the Cleveland Browns. This move injects significant talent into an already crowded running back room and raises questions about the team's depth chart management.

Chubb, a proven runner when healthy, joins a Texans squad led by Joe Mixon, who enjoyed a productive season in 2024 after being acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals. Mixon's performance, including over 1,000 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns, earned him a Pro Bowl selection and solidified his place as a key offensive weapon.

The acquisition of Chubb creates a logjam at the running back position. The Texans now boast five running backs on their roster: Mixon, Chubb, Dameon Pierce, rookie Woody Marks, and special teams contributor Dare Ogunbowale. This situation presents a challenge for the coaching staff, who must determine how to effectively utilize each player's skill set.

Chubb's recent injury history is a factor to consider. He's coming off a season-ending foot injury and has missed significant time in the past two seasons. If he can return to his pre-injury form, however, he could provide a dynamic complement to Mixon.

Pierce, a former fourth-round pick, showed promise in his rookie season but saw his role diminish last year. He will be competing for playing time and an opportunity to regain his previous form.

Marks, a highly touted rookie from USC, brings versatility to the offense with his ability to run and catch the ball. He'll look to carve out a role for himself during training camp.

Ogunbowale primarily contributes on special teams, but he provides valuable depth and experience. The Texans clearly value his contributions, as evidenced by his recent contract extension.

The Texans' commitment to the running game is evident. With Mixon locked in for multiple seasons and the addition of Chubb, the team appears poised to establish a strong ground attack. The challenge will be balancing the workload and maximizing the potential of each back in what promises to be a highly competitive environment.