Alexander said the Texans signed Chubb this offseason specifically because they feared Mixon would miss time with a foot/ankle injury he suffered this offseason. Though Mixon is unlikely to miss the entire regular season, the veteran could land on the PUP list to start the season, according to Alexander. That would cost Mixon the first four weeks of the regular season and perhaps put Chubb in the RB1 role. One of the most inefficient rushers in the NFL last season, Chubb, 29, had 25 yards on five rushing attempts last week against the Panthers in the Texans’ second preseason matchup. Rookie Woody Marks led the backfield with 40 yards on seven carries. Marks would likely work as the primary pass-catching back if Mixon were to miss time, while Chubb splits early down duties with Dameon Pierce. Chubb will be touchdown dependent even as the team’s de facto No. 1 back.

Chubb returned to practice after a head injury and split first-team snaps with Pierce, who was a full-go in practice for the first time since he strained his quadriceps. With Joe Mixon still sidelined with ankle and foot issues, the Texans have a murky backfield split between the veterans. Chubb is a downhill runner who has lost some burst while Pierce was strictly a backup and special teamer last season. Splitting first-team snaps indicates this backfield will be a committee when Mixon is out, with rookie Woody Marks mixing in for pass-catching.

Ouch. Thompson says that Chubb is specifically struggling to generate the burst necessary to get through “the second and third level of the defense.” This is unsurprising for a 29-year-old running back coming off two injury-ruined seasons. Joe Mixon’s (ankle/foot) Week 1 status is up in the air and Chubb seemingly no longer has the juice. Fantasy managers should closely follow dual-threat rookie RB Woody Marks’ training camp and preseason reports.

The former workhorse finds a new home after another lost season due to injury, landing in Houston on a one-year deal that carries a maximum value of $5 million. The incentive-laden contract makes sense for both parties considering Chubb’s recent injury history, providing a proven low cost option behind Joe Mixon in the backfield pecking order. Chubb passed his team physical Monday, prompting the signing and also indicating that he is on track in his return from a broken foot that ended his 2024 season after just eight games.