Texans Injury Update: Woody Marks Returns, Nick Chubb Still Sidelined Ahead of Cardinals Matchup
HOUSTON - The Texans were back on the practice field Thursday, and so was rookie running back Woody Marks - a welcome sight after he missed Wednesday’s session with a minor knee issue. Marks didn’t waste time easing back in, taking the first handoff from quarterback C.J. Stroud and moving without visible limitations.
Marks has been a steady presence in the Texans’ backfield this season, leading the team with 554 rushing yards. His return comes at a critical time, especially with veteran Nick Chubb still sidelined due to a rib injury sustained in Sunday’s win over the Chiefs. Chubb’s availability for this weekend’s game against Arizona remains uncertain, and if he can’t go, the Texans will likely lean more heavily on Marks to carry the load.
It wasn’t just Marks making his way back to practice. The Texans also saw linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (ankle), offensive tackle Trent Brown (broken finger), and defensive end Denico Autry (knee) return to the field after all three sat out Wednesday. That’s a significant boost across multiple units.
Al-Shaair has been a key cog in what’s become the league’s top-ranked defense, racking up 84 tackles so far this season. He also came up with a momentum-shifting interception against Patrick Mahomes in last week’s win - a play that helped seal the Texans’ biggest victory of the year. His return, even in a limited capacity, is a positive sign for a defense that’s been playing with an edge.
On the other side of the injury report, cornerback Kamari Lassiter (foot) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (shoulder, elbow) remained out. Lassiter is expected to return later this week, but Rankins’ status is more uncertain. In response, the Texans added some depth on the defensive line by picking up Naquan Jones off waivers from the Chargers - a move that could prove important if Rankins can’t go on Sunday.
Houston also got some reinforcements back on offense earlier in the week. Tight end Harrison Bryant (neck, shoulder) and wide receiver Justin Watson (calf) were both designated to return from injured reserve and participated in Wednesday’s practice on a limited basis.
Linebackers E.J. Speed (knee) and Jamal Hill (hamstring) were also limited.
The Texans rounded out their roster moves by re-signing fullback Jakob Johnson to the practice squad, adding a bit more flexibility to the backfield group as they prepare for a potentially shorthanded Sunday.
With the Cardinals coming to town, the Texans are hoping to get as close to full strength as possible. The return of Marks and Al-Shaair is a step in the right direction - now all eyes turn to whether Nick Chubb can make a late-week push to suit up.