Nick Chubb

Asked in a mailbag column if the Texans would pursue a veteran back in free agency, Alexander noted that he believes Dare Ogunbowale could return to the Texans, but flatly said Chubb won't. The 30-year-old vet will try to catch on elsewhere in a short-yardage role in 2026. The Texans could make an offseason move to sign or draft a back to split time with Woody Marks. Or perhaps both.

Making what was likely his final appearance as a Texan, Chubb was a ground-game afterthought despite Woody Marks' ongoing ineffectiveness. Veteran deference made Chubb the Texans' lead back to begin the season, but he was easily passed by Marks, who never surrendered No. 1 status despite ineffectiveness of his own. Now on the wrong side of 30 and simply out of gas, free-agent-to-be Chubb probably won't land guaranteed money on the open market. The main things working in his favor at this point are his experience, leadership and aversion to fumbling.

Playing through a shoulder injury, Marks kept getting stood up on the inside as the Texans' passing attack disintegrated into a turnover-marred disaster. The No. 116 overall pick of the draft, Marks easily passed veteran Nick Chubb on the depth chart but was slowed by ankle issues down the stretch. Highly inefficient, he churned up just 703 yards on 196 carries (3.6 YPC). He was just as uninspiring by more advanced metrics, finishing in the bottom third in NextGenStats' "rush yards over expected." Free agent Chubb will likely be gone for 2026, but 25-year-old Marks didn't do enough to stave off draft or free agent additions. He will nevertheless be the favorite for lead duties, making him a decent enough RB2/3 in dynasty leagues.

Two sessions would seemingly give him a real chance to suit up, though it's unclear if the Texans would make him the No. 2 back ahead of Nick Chubb after Chubb's output against the Steelers last Monday night. Jordan is probably trending towards a questionable tag on Friday.

Jordan suffered an ankle injury in Week 18 which caused him to miss the Wild Card win over the Steelers. The 26-year-old played well in a reserve role and was the Texans' RB2 in Week 18 with Nick Chubb a healthy scratch. A limited practice session early in the week indicates Jordan is trending to return in the Divisional Round against the Patriots, though the Texans may keep both Jordan and Chubb active behind Woody Marks if Jordan is not fully healthy.