Getty
Nick Chubb #21 of the Houston Texans looks on during a against the Denver Broncos.
The Houston Texans’ return to the practice field was not without some unfortunate developments, specifically regarding Nick Chubb.
Speculation about the Texans’ injury situation remains encouraging before they face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. But Chubb was one of several players who were not on the practice field to begin the week.
Moreover, his outlook appears to be the most grim of the group.
Texans RB Nick Chubb Expected to Miss Cardinals Game
GettyNick Chubb #21 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
The Texans listed Chubb among seven players who sat out of their first practice to start the week of preparation for the Cardinals. Azeez Al-Shaair, Denico Autry, Kamari Lassiter, Sheldon Rankins, Trent Brown, and Woody Marks also sat.
However, the vast majority of that group are expected to suit up for the Texans against the Cardinals on Sunday. There is far less certainty around Chubb.
Chubb exited the Texans’ Week 14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs with a rib injury.
“Of the #Texas not practicing Wednesday, would expect all to play vs. #Cardinals,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 2, “except for possibly Nick Chubb (rib), whose injury prompted team to claim Cody Schrader off waivers. Every Wednesday, team holds out certain players to get them healthier before the next game.”
Al-Shaair has an ankle injury. Autry and Marks have knee injuries. Lassiter is dealing with a foot issue. The Texans listed Brown as a DNP with a hand problem. Rankins is trying to overcome elbow and shoulder injuries.
Marks had taken the reins as the Texans’ RB1 from Chubb in recent weeks, making his status paramount in light of Wilson’s expectations for Chubb.
Chubb, 29, has rushed for 472 yards and 3 touchdowns on 115 carries this season.
He has been the more efficient of the Texans’ top two backs. Chubb has also added 58 yards on 12 receptions, but has seen Marks produce at a more efficient clip in that aspect. Both players were supposed to be in complementary roles behind Joe Mixon this season.
With Mixon’s status still murky, the Texans would be in dire straits if Chubb and Marks were forced to miss time. That is particularly true at such a critical juncture of the season.
The Texans are still fighting for the AFC South crown and jockeying for playoff seeding.
DeMeco Ryans Stays Quiet on Texans’ Injuries
GettyHouston Texans DeMeco Ryans on the field before facing the Kansas City Chiefs.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans remained unforthcoming with further information regarding Chubb or any of the Texans’ injured players’ respective statuses.
He simply pointed back to the injury report.
“For all the guys, injury report comes out, just as last week,” Ryans told reporters during his media availability on December 10. “For all of our guys, we’re taking it day by day. We’ll see how the week goes.”
Houston listed Autry, Brown, Lassiter, Marks (ankle), Jamal Hill, Jaylen Reed, and Will Anderson as DNPs for their first practice of Week 14.
All but Reed, who was placed on IR with a broken arm, and Hill played against the Chiefs.
A similar trend could be in store for the Texans, even if Chubb is unable to overcome his rib injury. They are facing a Cardinals team riding out the season with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett in for an injured Kyler Murray.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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