Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Miles Sanders

Monday, June 9, 6:53 PM

The Houston Texans officially signed free-agent running back Nick Chubb to a one-year, $2.5 million deal on Monday that could be worth up to $5 million, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chubb passed a physical after a gruesome left-knee injury in 2023 that required multiple surgeries. The former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler was one of the most powerful backs in the league before his injury, as he went for a career-high 1,525 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 302 carries in 2022. He managed to play in just eight games last year, though, and wasn't the same, averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry with 332 rushing yards and three scores on 102 rushing attempts. Chubb also fractured his left foot in Week 15 last year, so he may never be the same explosive back he once was. Now in Houston, he'll be competing with Dameon Pierce for RB2 duties behind starter Joe Mixon.

Friday, July 4, 3:44 PM

Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders split first-team work during mandatory minicamp with backfield mate Javonte Williams. Dallas is projected to have one of the worst RB rooms in the league this season, headlined by Sanders, Williams, and fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue. Blue has apparently taken to the NFL quickly, but one of the veterans projects to begin the season as Dallas' lead back. It seems more likely that this backfield is destined for a running-back-by-committee approach, which would obviously dent the value of all three participants. For now, expect a primary split between the two vets, with Sanders handling passing situations and the Cowboys turning to Williams more often than not for short-yardage work.