The Houston Texans can breathe a little bit easier, knowing that four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb’s rib injury is nothing too serious.
Chubb exited their Week 14 contest early and missed Week 15 due to the issue.
However, the Texans may have significant concerns to address at multiple spots elsewhere on the roster following their first practice of Week 16, as they prepare to take on the Las Vegas Raiders at home in NRG Stadium.
Texans Get Nick Chubb Back at Practice
GettyNick Chubb #21 of the Houston Texans looks on during a game against the Denver Broncos.
Chubb’s presence stood out, not only because he returned, but also because he was one of two healthy backs present on the field Wednesday.
“Derek Stingley Jr (oblique), Sheldon Rankins, Azeez Al-Shaair (ankle) Trent Brown (broken finger), Woody Marks (ankle), Denico Autry (knee), Kamari Lassiter (foot) not practicing,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 17. “Nick Chubb (rib) returned to practice.”
Wilson later updated the list of injured players to include linebacker E.J. Speed.
With Chubb back, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans fielded questions about the players who were not present. Of the 11 players listed on the week’s first injury report, eight were DNPs.
“All of our guys will be – they’re on that individual plan of how we’ll manage them throughout the week,” Ryans told reporters on December 17. “And as I always say, we’ll see how the week goes with those guys and see where we end up.”
“Whoever’s at the running back position, it’s all going to be, first and foremost, about our offensive line, our tight ends, and how we’re blocking the line of scrimmage,” Ryans said. “Anybody who touches the football, they can be dynamic; they can make plays for us. But it’s going to be about how we handle the front.”
The Texans have two more practices this week.
That gives the Texans more time to see if Chubb can progress and the other walking wounded can get back to practicing in some capacity.
Justin Watson Logs Another Full Practice After Last-Minute Decision
GettyJustin Watson #84 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up before facing the Las Vegas Raiders.
In addition to Chubb’s return, the Texans saw wide receiver Justin Watson continue to participate fully in practice.
Watson is another first-year Texans player.
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers fifth-round draft pick (2018) and three-time Super Bowl champion (one with Tampa, two with the Kansas City Chiefs) has three receptions for 30 yards in two games this season.
Watson practiced in full the final two (of three) practice sessions in Week 15, but the Texans decided against activating him to the 53-man roster to face the Arizona Cardinals.
Like Chubb, Watson’s return to the lineup would be a boost for the Texans.
Texans Announce Decision on Darrell Taylor
GettyDarrell Taylor #52 and E.J. Speed #45 of the Houston Texans celebrate a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Texans also announced that “DE Darrell Taylor has returned to practice and been Designated for Return,” in a post on X earlier in the day.
Taylor, a second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2020 draft, is in his first season with the Texans. He has played in four games this season, missing time before and since his last appearance in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.
Taylor has 3 total tackles for the Texans, splitting his time between defense and special teams.
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