Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Julius Chestnut

Thursday, January 22, 7:14 PM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb, who will be a free agent in March, won't be returning to the team for next season, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Dare Ogunbowale will also be a free agent, but he has a better shot at potentially re-signing for backfield depth. Chubb began the 2025 campaign as Houston's lead RB with Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but he lost the job to rookie Woody Marks halfway through the year. The 30-year-old veteran averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 122 rushing attempts for 506 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in 15 regular-season games for the Texans. The four-time Pro Bowler just has not looked like the same player since suffering a gruesome knee injury in 2023 with the Browns, in which he tore multiple ligaments. At best, Chubb will be backfield depth in 2026 if he latches on with another team in free agency.

Saturday, October 4, 12:57 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut could be headed for a reduced workload in Week 5 despite a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Chestnut has operated as a backup to Tony Pollard through the first four weeks of the season. While his usage has been relatively modest given that Pollard leads all NFL running backs in snap share, Chestnut has still been his backup and did see the field in every game, logging five total carries. That marginal usage could drop to no usage as soon as Tyjae Spears (ankle) returns to game action. Spears is currently on injured reserve but has been designated to return and is questionable for Week 5. Chestnut's already limited opportunity share would surely disappear entirely as soon as another reliable, proven player like Spears is added to the backfield. If Spears plays Sunday, Chestnut, 24, might not touch the ball. Even if he remains on IR, though, the Sacred Heart product is due for just a couple of touches and remains off the fantasy radar.