The Houston Texans are riding a five-game win streak and sitting pretty at 8-5, but they’ve hit a bit of a speed bump heading into Week 15. Veteran running back Nick Chubb, who’s been a steady presence in the backfield this season, is dealing with a rib injury that knocked him out early in last week’s 20-10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. And now, it looks like he won’t be suiting up against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday.
Chubb missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday before getting in a limited session on Friday. But according to reports, the Texans aren’t expecting him to be active for the game. That’s a tough blow for Houston, especially with the offense finding its rhythm and the playoff race heating up.
Let’s rewind for a second. Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler, spent the first seven years of his career in Cleveland, racking up over 6,800 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns.
He added another 1,000+ yards and five scores through the air. After his contract with the Browns expired following the 2024 season, he signed a one-year deal with Houston worth $2.5 million this past June.
So far in 2025, Chubb has played in all 13 games and contributed 472 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He’s not quite the workhorse he once was, but his experience and vision have been valuable to a Texans offense that’s been growing week by week.
With Chubb likely sidelined, the Texans will turn to rookie Woody Marks to carry the load. Marks, a fourth-round pick (116th overall) in this year’s draft, has quietly put together a solid first season.
He’s appeared in all 13 games, started five, and racked up 554 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He was especially effective in last week’s win over the Chiefs, picking up 68 tough yards on the ground.
Marks brings a different energy to the backfield - he’s quick, decisive, and not afraid to lower his shoulder. He’s shown flashes of being a reliable option, and Sunday’s game gives him a real chance to prove he can be more than just a fill-in.
Behind Marks, the Texans have another intriguing option in Jawhar Jordan, a sixth-rounder from the 2024 draft. Jordan hasn’t had much of a chance to showcase his skills yet, but with Chubb out, this could be the perfect opportunity to see what the young back can do. There’s been some buzz around giving him a few reps to spell Marks and keep the offense balanced.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans and his staff have done a great job of adapting throughout the season, and this is another test of their depth and flexibility. The Texans are in the thick of the AFC playoff race, and while Chubb’s absence is a setback, it also opens the door for the younger backs to step up and make their mark.
Kickoff against the Cardinals is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on how the Texans adjust without their veteran in the backfield. It’s another chapter in what’s been a surprisingly strong season for Houston - and a big opportunity for the next man up.