Nick Chubb Poised for Playoff Return with Houston Texans
Houston, Texas – January 12, 2026 – Nick Chubb, the former Cleveland Browns running back, is set to make his playoff debut with the Houston Texans after a remarkable recovery from a career-threatening knee injury. The 30-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Texans in June 2025 and has contributed steadily in his first season with the team.
Career Highlights
Chubb, drafted by the Browns in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, quickly became a cornerstone of Cleveland’s offense. He earned four Pro Bowl selections from 2019 to 2022, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of those seasons. His career totals with the Browns include 6,843 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns, ranking him third in franchise history behind Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly.
Injury Recovery
Chubb’s career faced a major setback in September 2023 when he suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his left knee during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He underwent two surgeries and missed the entire 2023 season. In 2024, he returned for eight games with the Browns, rushing for 332 yards on 102 attempts but at a career-low 3.3 yards per carry. The Browns restructured his contract to aid recovery, but Chubb became a free agent and signed with the Texans.
2025 Season Performance
In his debut season with Houston, Chubb played in 15 games, providing depth behind Joe Mixon early on and later sharing carries with rookie Woody Marks. He finished with 506 rushing yards on 122 attempts (4.1 yards per carry) and three touchdowns, along with 67 receiving yards on 13 receptions. Chubb was inactive for the regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts but is expected to play in the wild-card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Key Facts / Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Houston Texans | 15 | 506 | 3 |
| 2024 | Cleveland Browns | 8 | 332 | 2 |
| 2022 | Cleveland Browns | 17 | 1,525 | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nick Chubb fully recovered from his knee injury?
Chubb has stated that his injuries are behind him and he feels as good as ever. He passed his physical with the Texans and has performed at a solid level in 2025, though his yards per carry remains below his peak.
What is Chubb’s role with the Texans going forward?
Chubb serves as a key backup to Woody Marks in the running game. With Joe Mixon sidelined, Chubb could see increased carries in the playoffs, especially if Marks is limited.
Will Chubb return to the Browns?
Chubb’s one-year deal with the Texans makes him a free agent after 2025. While the Browns drafted young backs like Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Chubb’s future remains uncertain.