The Houston Texan’s Backfield Depth Chart Just Got Even Scarier

The Houston Texans might be assembling one of the most intriguing offensive rosters in the NFL. They're taking an offense that was already explosive in the running game, and making it better before the start of the 2025 season.

Texans Bolster Running Backs with Pro Bowl Talent

While the Texans already have a strong running back depth chart, the team has made it a priority to add this offseason. They're now bringing in four time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb with a one year contract. The signing is based on whether or not Chubb passes his physical.

That physical will be important for the Texans, because even as good as Chubb has been during his NFL career, he has missed time. Including last season, where a broken foot ended Chubb's season after 8 games...which had already been shortened by a 2023 knee injury.

Nick Chubb's Injury History and Potential Impact

The 2023 knee injury as the most significant of his career. The injury involved a tear to his MCL, plus damage to his medial capsule, meniscus, and ACL. This injury required more than one surgery, and put question marks on the rest of Chubb's career.

But when Chubb did return in 2024, he was introduced with double-digit carries his first game back with the Cleveland Browns. He scored a touchdown in his first game back as well.

The Browns offense wasn't great, so Chubb was really never able to get things rolling before he was hurt. But the way he ran was noteworthy, because it showed Chubb was back and had a healthy knee.

In the years before 2022, Chubb had some nagging injuries here and there, but was able to reach the 1,000 mark in 4 of his first 5 seasons (and came just 4 yards short in his rookie year). Chubb has been a strong receiver out of the backfield too, averaging 8.1 yards per catch over his career. Mixing his rushing and receiving, Chubb has had over 1,000 scrimmage yards in 5 of his 7 seasons. With the two that he fell short centered around his major knee injury.

If Chubb can recapture his Pro Bowl form, the Texans are going to be even more dangerous in 2025.

Houston's Already Explosive Running Game Gets Stronger

The team had Joe Mixon run for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, on his way to a Pro Bowl selection. They also have Dameon Pierce on the roster, who reached 1,104 scrimmage yards in his rookies season back in 2022. He's been a great compliment out of the backfield, scoring 9 touchdowns over the last three seasons, and having the longest rush of the year last season with a 92 yard run.

Last year the Texans had a pretty explosive run game, with the 6th most rushing yards in the AFC, 4th most runs of 20+ yards, and 4th most runs of over 40 yards in the AFC. Even though the team was middle of the pack on rushing attempts, because they found themselves playing from behind often.

The biggest issue for Houston last year was their offensive line. They could not protect quarterback CJ Stroud often enough to keep the passing game on track. Even though Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce were able to break off long runs and score touchdowns, the team wasn't able to put it altogether.

That's why the team addressed the line in the offseason. Trading starting tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington for draft picks, signing free agent Cam Robinson (from West Monroe, Louisiana), and drafting Aireontae Ersery from Minnesota in the second round. The team also made changes in the offensive coaching offices, and put an emphasis on building their line.

Getting more running backs to spread the carries around, hiring coaches focused on the line, and committing to new pieces seems like a really good way to address those offensive issues. If this works, the Texans could have one of the most explosive offenses in the AFC this year.