Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Audric Estime

Saturday, July 26, 2:23 PM

News broke on Saturday that Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot) is expected to be out for an extended period due to a frustrating foot injury. According to Jordan Schultz, NFL insider, even with Mixon missing extended time, the Houston Texans will be judicious with veteran Nick Chubb in training camp. It wasn't too long ago that the four-time pro-bowler, Chubb, suffered a severe knee injury (torn ACL, MCL, meniscus, and medial capsule) in a game against the Steelers. He made his comeback in 2024 around mid-season and proceeded to play a handful of games before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He has since recovered and been picked up by the Texans in free agency to be the backup to Mixon. With Mixon expected to miss an extended amount of time, the Texans will likely lean on the veteran to carry the workload, but it appears they will do so cautiously. With Mixon and Dameon Pierce (quad) both out, 2025 fourth-round pick Woody Marks will likely see an uptick in reps and opportunities as well.

Friday, May 30, 5:30 PM

On Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that running back Audric Estime will garner increased opportunities in his second season with the team. "He's a back that requires enough touches," said Payton. "He's going to get those opportunities." The former fifth-round rookie was undoubtedly lacking in opportunities in 2024 -- placing fourth on the team in carries and rushing yards behind backfield mates Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin and quarterback Bo Nix. Estime was a productive player in his final season at Notre Dame, finishing with 1,341 yards and 18 rushing scores in 12 games. However, Denver's recent selection of RJ Harvey in the second round adds formidable competition in the backfield. Harvey is slotted in first on the team's unofficial depth chart, ahead of Estime for now. The latter projects to be more of a traditional short-yardage back due to his larger stature, but Harvey is also a force between the tackles and profiles as a better pass-catcher despite poor pass-protection skills.