Dare Ogunbowale

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.

Jordan injured his ankle in Week 18 and failed to practice all week, eventually ruled out with the ailment. That leaves very little depth behind starting rookie Woody Marks, who could find himself in a workhorse role for the team's Wildcard matchup against the Steelers. Nick Chubb appears likely to operate as the primary change of pace option while Dare Ogunbowale could rotate in on obvious passing situations.