Chubb Aims for Comeback as Texans Prepare for Preseason

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. — Nick Chubb, nursing an ankle injury, is stepping up as the Houston Texans‘ running back while Joe Mixon remains on the non-football injury list. Chubb, who has not practiced throughout training camp, sees this as an opportunity to reclaim his position and prove he still has what it takes.

The 29-year-old Chubb is determined to overcome the challenging years he faced due to injuries. In a previous season, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2, which sidelined him for most of the year. Now, he is determined to put the last few tough years behind him.

“The last few years have been a little rough for me,” Chubb told ESPN. “I got a chance to go home, get a good offseason, then get back to who I am, and I’m ready to put it all together.”

Despite the common narrative that running backs tend to decline after turning 30, Chubb believes he can defy the odds. Historically, only 8% of running backs age 30 or older have rushed for 1,000 or more yards since the NFL merger in 1970. He mentions Derrick Henry as an example of a player who shattered those expectations last season.

“[Henry] is different,” Chubb continued. “You are not gonna put him in that category, he showed it’s not true. And I think that applies for me. I’m in the category with them. I’m different, and I feel good as I have been.”

Chubb has ranked third on the Cleveland Browns‘ career rushing list during his seven seasons with the team. He is eager to rewrite his career while playing for the Texans, starting with preseason games. In 2024, he experienced a career low, rushing for just 332 yards during the season and failing to exceed 60 yards in a single game.

Coach DeMeco Ryans has noted Chubb’s physical style of play, which includes his determination to fight through defenders on every carry. “What I hang my hat on with him is that this guy loves football,” Ryans said. “He’s physical. He plays the right way.”

Currently, Chubb is taking the majority of the first-team snaps while Mixon remains out. As the preseason kicks off on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Texans hope to see signs of the old Nick Chubb returning to form.