It seems like Nick Chubb’s days with the Houston Texans could be coming to an end.
Houston elected to make the former Pro Bowl running back a healthy scratch in favor of Dare Ogunbowale and Jahwar Jordan in Sunday’s Week 18 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, marking the end of his regular season in his first year with the franchise.
Signed to a one-year, $2 million deal this offseason. Chubb began the season as the lead back in place of Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. As the season continued, rookie Woody Marks expanded his role and touches, thus taking away reps from Chubb.
Houston could be playing the long game, as it is with Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins. The veteran pass-catcher was listed as a healthy scratch ahead of Week 18’s battle since the team needs him at full strength for the postseason. With a veteran such as Chubb, the Texans could be wise to rest him for Week 18 since his impact in the red zone could be ideal next week in the wild-card round.
But the Texans could also be considering moving off the former Cleveland Browns star in favor of youth. Last week, as an active player in the 20-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Chubb played in five snaps and totaled one rushing yard. Meanwhile, Jordan, who’s the only player to rush for over 100 yards this season in the Texans’ uniform, totaled 11 snaps and played a majority of reps in the Week 16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chubb, who was due a $250,000 bonus if he ran for 94 yards today to eclipse 600 on the season, won’t get his bonus to elevate his contract. Chubb will finish the season with 506 yards on 122 carries and three touchdowns.
Marks is expected to see a majority of carries on Sunday, but this could be something worth monitoring over the next week as the Texans prep for the postseason.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.
