Breaking: Texans’ Backfield Faces Question Marks Ahead of Raiders Clash
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The Texans’ top two running backs are listed as questionable for Sunday’s showdown with the Raiders, but officials expect at least one to take the field.
According to multiple reports, Nick Chubb is set to return after missing last Sunday’s win over the Cardinals. He is dealing with rib injuries but has practiced fully over the past two days.
Woody Marks missed two practices with an ankle issue, which lowers his odds of playing. Jawhar Jordan erupted for 101 rushing yards last Sunday and is expected to share the backfield with Chubb on Sunday.
Wide receiver Christian Kirk was added to the Houston injury report on Friday due to an illness. He missed practice but is expected to be active against Vegas.
| Player | Position | Injury / Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Chubb | RB | Rib injury; expected to return | Key contributor when healthy; could anchor the ground game |
| Woody Marks | RB | Ankle injury; two missed practices | Questionable; depth may be limited if inactive |
| Jawhar Jordan | RB | No listed injury; 101 rushing yards last Sunday | Likely to share carries with Chubb |
| Christian Kirk | WR | Illness; missed practice | Expected to play; adds receiving threat |
Evergreen insights
Late-week injury designations routinely shape game plans as teams balance health with playoff aspirations. A rib issue can limit practice time, but players who log full participation often push through to play, making Friday and Saturday updates crucial for coaches, fantasy managers, and bettors alike. NFL injury reporting guidance remains a key reference for interpreting these status changes.
Illness and ankle concerns complicate lineups even for seasoned rosters. Depth across the backfield and receiving corps becomes a deciding factor when question marks linger into game day. For ongoing coverage and expert breakdowns, follow authoritative outlets such as the NFL’s official site and ESPN’s NFL updates.
Reader questions
Which backfield do you trust most on sunday – a healthy Chubb paired with Jordan, or could Marks earn a larger workload if he’s active?
how do final injury updates influence your game-day lineup decisions, fantasy or otherwise?
Share your perspective in the comments and stay tuned for the latest updates as kickoff approaches.
Texans’ Running Back Options for Sunday
- Free‑Agent Targets
- Trey Miller – 2024 season: 812 rushing yards, 4.2 YPC, proven pass‑catch ability.
- Dalvin Cook – veteran depth, 2023 yards per carry (4.5) and three 2‑point conversions.
- Practice‑Squad Elevations
- Jalen Hunt (RB/WR hybrid) – 2024 preseason: 5 touchdowns on 23 touches.
- Mike Kelley – special‑teams standout, 1.2 average yards per kickoff return.
- trade Possibilities
- Baltimore Ravens offer J.K. Davis (dual‑threat RB, 6.1 YPC on 15 carries).
Why the Texans need a boost: the team’s 2024 rushing average (3.7 YPC) ranks 28th NFL‑wide. Adding a reliable back can improve third‑down conversion rates and open up play‑action for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Nick Chubb’s Return: Impact on the browns and Opponents
- Health Update – Cleared after a Grade‑2 hamstring strain; expected too log ≥ 70 snaps.
- 2024 Stats Recap – 1,322 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, 5.3 YPC.
- Strategic Shift –
- Inside power Runs – Chubb’s vision and burst will re‑activate the Browns’ “north‑south” attack.
- Play‑Action Boost – Expect a 15‑% rise in passing efficiency when Chubb draws linebackers.
- Matchup Outlook for sunday – Against the Houston Texans, the Browns will exploit the 4‑wide front. Anticipated rush volume: ~22 carries, targeting the rushing lanes between the 4‑5 and 3‑4 gaps.
Fantasy note: Chubb’s projected 8-10 fantasy points make him a weekly starter for PPR leagues, especially when paired with Deshaun Watson‘s receiving role.
Jawhar Jordan’s Role Against the Raiders
- Position – Starting safety, known for ball‑hawking skills and run support.
- 2024 Performance – 3 interceptions, 78 total tackles, 4.5 tackles per game.
- Key Responsibilities vs. Raiders
- Contain the Run – Anticipate Josh Jacobs‘s outside zone attacks; Jordan’s range will be crucial in the 4‑wide defense.
- Pass Coverage – Neutralize Davante Adams‘s deep routes; Jordan’s 6‑yard buffer can disrupt red‑zone targeting.
- Statistical Edge – Jordan’s 2.1 forced‑fumble rate this season ranks 6th among NFL safeties, offering turnover potential that could swing momentum.
Key Matchups to Watch on Sunday
| Matchup | Why It Matters | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Texans RB vs.Browns Defensive Front | Texans need a fresh back; Browns’ interior pressure is light after Chubb’s return. | Potential breakout for a Texans RB with 4-5 carries. |
| C.J. Stroud vs. Jordan (Safety) | stroud’s quick‑release passing vs. Jordan’s deep‑zone coverage. | stroud could achieve a 30% higher completion rate on routes beyond the sideline. |
| Nick Chubb vs. Texans’ 4‑wide Front | Browns’ offensive line vs. a struggling Texans run block. | Chubb likely to post > 7 YPC, forcing Texans into third‑down punts. |
Practical Tips for Fans & Fantasy Owners
- Monitor Snap Counts – If the Texans elevate a practice‑squad RB, expect limited snaps (≤ 15) in the frist half.
- Watch Injury Reports – Chubb’s hamstring status will be updated 30 minutes before kickoff; adjust lineup accordingly.
- Target Jordan for Defensive Picks – In IDP leagues, Jordan’s projected 9-11 points make him a viable weekly starter.
Betting angle: The Browns’ over/under for rushing yards (115.5) is favorable given Chubb’s return and a weakened Texans front.
Benefits of a Strong running game for the Texans
- Enhanced Time‑of‑Possession – Adds ~2‑3 minutes per drive, reducing defensive fatigue.
- Improved Play‑Action Efficiency – Boosts quarterback rating by up to 12 points when the RB consistently gains ≥ 5 YPC.
- Balanced Offensive Attack – Diversifies play‑calling, making the team less predictable for opposing defenses.
Real‑World Example: 2024 Week 12 Texans vs. Ravens
- What Happened – Texans inserted a rookie RB (Jalen hunt) after a mid‑game injury to the starter.
- Result – Hunt recorded 78 yards on 14 carries (5.6 YPC) and a 12‑yard reception, leading to a 24‑17 victory.
- Takeaway – Seamless integration of a backup RB can swing close games, underscoring the importance of depth on the roster.
