Nick Chubb, Houston Texans
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Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Houston Texans enter this regular season short-handed, and they have made a final determination on how they will handle the continued absence of Pro Bowl and starting running back Joe Mixon: with Nick Chubb as the “bell cow.”
The Texans have officially decided the four-time Pro Bowler will be their featured back, at least while Mixon is sidelined, beginning with Week 1 versus the Los Angeles Rams.
However, there is a possibility that Chubb’s reign as Texans RB1 is longer than anticipated.
Texans Expected to Lean on Nick Chubb vs Rams
Nick Chubb, Houston Texans
GettyNick Chubb #21 of the Houston Texans carries the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
Chubb signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Texans. That underscores the expectation that he would complement Mixon rather than replace him.
Mixon’s injury has forced the Texans’ hand, though.
“Nick Chubb, the longtime member [and] leader for the Cleveland Browns, is now on the Houston Texans,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on “NFL Gameday” on September 7. “He is expected to be the Texans’ bell cow running back. Sounds like he was really, really good in training camp, and they expect big things from him, with last year’s starter Joe Mixon’s status up in the air.”
The Texans signed Chubb before Mixon’s injury, with the latter later spotted wearing a walking boot during the off-season program. Mixon’s injury sidelined him during training camp, and he missed the entire preseason.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio left the door open for speculation, saying they would wait and see on Mixon playing this season.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has pushed back on the speculation around Mixon.
Nick Chubb Ready to Deliver for Texans
Nick Chubb, Houston Texans
GettyNick Chubb #21 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
What is clear is that Mixon’s injury has created an opportunity at redemption for Chubb, who said, “I’m here to do whatever I need to do for this team, for the city,” Chubb told reporters on September 3. “So, whatever’s called on me, I’m happy to go out there and give them all.”
Ryans praised what he has seen from Chubb amid doubts about the Texans’ plan.
“Nick won’t surprise me in the game. I know what I’m going to get from Nick Chubb,” Ryans told reporters on September 3. “He’s the guy I watched for a long time. He’s done it at a high level for a long time. Ton of respect for Nick and how he plays the game. I don’t expect to see anything different on Sunday. I expect to see a physical running back who’s going to gain positive yards every time he touches the football.”
Nick Chubb with a series of very strong runs, trying to turn back the clock to his prime days 🔥
Unfortunately I think it doesn’t matter, the word from training camp is that he isn’t any good.
Hope he can define the odds. pic.twitter.com/j3B5SUFT3C
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) August 16, 2025
Chubb, who rushed for 25 yards on five carries during the Texans’ preseason slate, previously said he feels “good” after battling injuries, particularly over the last two seasons.
“I feel good,” Chubb told reporters in June. “I would say that’s all behind me, and injuries happen. And with what I did, [it] takes about two years to really get back. And so, I’m over the hump. I’m back home. I was back home all offseason, training where I trained every year since I was in high school, and I was able to get a full year in of doing the things that I do best. So, now I’m feeling good as I have been in a long time.”
The former Browns star arrives with an extensive injury history, and some reports indicate he was noticeably slower during Texans camp. The Rams were porous in run defense in 2024, ranking 22nd in yards allowed.
That bodes well for Chubb’s prospects of starting his Texans tenure on a positive note.
Rams a Notable Test for Texans
Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams
GettyJared Verse #8 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff.
LA added defensive tackle Poona Ford and bolstered their linebacking corps with former Atlanta Falcons starter Nate Landman. They are also strong at safety, with Quentin Lake and Kamren Curl.
Still, with much of the same skeleton from last season, the group faces question marks about their efficacy, which facing Chubb could help answer.
Both the Texans and the Rams are coming off playoff seasons.
They both have Pro Bowl-caliber quarterbacks at the helm. They also have intriguing defenses, especially in terms of their pass rush. Both have Pro Bowl talent in their backfields, with Kyren Williams RB1 for the Rams.
This is a stiff test for the Rams and Texans to open up the 2025 regular season, so it will take full-team efforts to get the victory.