After a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday, the Houston Texans desperately need some good news. Instead, as they head into a pivotal Sunday matchup against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team is facing major questions about the health of its key players.
With an already struggling offense, the potential absence of its starting running back and quarterback puts the Texans in a challenging position at NRG Stadium.
What Is the Latest on Nick Chubb’s Injury Status?
The Texans especially need help in the backfield, where they have hoped running back Nick Chubb could play a significant role. Currently, however, Chubb may not be available to play on Sunday. According to reports from the team’s practice on Wednesday, Chubb was still sidelined with a foot injury, casting doubt on his availability for the game against Jacksonville.
Aaron Wilson, who covers the team for Houston’s KPRC, posted on X on Wednesday, “#Texans who didn’t practice: C.J. Stroud (concussion, out), Nick Chubb (foot), Ka’imi Fairbairn (quad, out), Tytus Howard (concussion), Will Anderson Jr. (quad), Jalen Pitre (concussion), Ed Ingram (knee), Harrison Bryant (shoulder), Denico Autry (knee), Christian Harris (shin)”.
This injury update adds another layer of difficulty for a team that enters the game with a 3-5 record. Houston acquired Chubb, who spent a significant part of his career with the Cleveland Browns, to boost its running game. He has been trying to carry the load while fellow running back Joe Mixon has been sidelined with an injury for the entire 2025 NFL season so far.
According to the PFSN NFL RB Impact metrics, Chubb has a 65.8 RB Impact Score, which grades out as a D. In eight games this season, he has carried the ball 91 times for 355 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt.
How Will C.J. Stroud’s Absence Affect the Offense?
The running game’s struggles are part of a larger issue. Even when rookie back Woody Marks has provided a spark, the Texans’ offense has not been clicking on all cylinders. This is especially true near the goal line, where the team has struggled to score from the 1-yard line, regardless of whether Chubb or Marks is carrying the ball.
The overall offensive performance is reflected in the metrics. According to the PFSN Offense Impact ratings, Houston has a 68.4 Offense Impact Score, earning a D+ grade.
That’s a statistic that will not sit well with head coach DeMeco Ryans, who now must prepare for the Jaguars without his starting quarterback, C.J. Stroud.
During the game against the Broncos, Stroud was tackled hard, and his head hit the turf at NRG Stadium. He was later diagnosed with a concussion and did not return to the game.
As a result, Ryans will now turn to backup Davis Mills, who has starting experience in his career, to lead the Texans’ offense on Sunday.
