Nick Chubb is rounding back into form.
The four-time Pro Bowl running back looked closer to his former self, hitting holes in Houston's preseason win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.
"Chubb did a really nice job playing physical, running behind his pads," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game, via KPRC 2 Houston. "I just like the way the whole team played a physical brand of football, the type of football I expect us to play and I'm really proud of the guys for that. Just really, really proud of the offensive line again. I think this is the second week in a row now that they're just improving, they're getting better.
"We were able to run the football. Again, Chubb did a really nice job playing physical, running behind his pads. I just like the way the whole team played a physical brand of football, the type of football I expect us to play and I'm really proud of the guys for that."
Chubb finished with five carries for 25 yards. The 5.0 yards per carry is closer to what we'd become accustomed to seeing from the bulldozing back.
The 29-year-old suffered a gruesome injury two games into the 2023 season. He returned to Cleveland last season, participating in eight games, but never looked like his old self. Two years removed from the knee injury, he looks fresher. With a long run of nine yards, his top-end speed remains a question, but it was good to see him push a pile.
"I thought it went good," Chubb said. "I think as a whole, the whole team played well. Offensively, the big guys up front did a good job getting push, opening up holes. For me, I haven't played since December, so a lot of anxiety, a lot of nerves, but it felt good to go out and get tackled again.
"One of the best things I do is break tackles in the practice. I mean, he's pretty much tagged, so I mean, I think the game allows you to kind of be more of yourself."
With Joe Mixon dealing with a lingering ankle/foot injury, putting his start to the season in question, Chubb has a potential path to a significant workload to open the season.
Perhaps as significant as Chubb taking a step towards his recovery was that the revamped offensive line opened up some holes and played solidly in pass protection on Saturday. Getting better O-line play in 2025 will significantly help both the run game and C.J. Stroud's passing attack.
