Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Tahj Brooks

Tuesday, August 12, 6:31 PM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (head) has moved through the league's concussion protocol and was not wearing a non-contact jersey at Tuesday's training camp practice, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Chubb entered the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head last week, but he looks to be fine now. The 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler was among the best RBs in the league on a yearly basis before suffering a gruesome knee injury in 2023. He made it back to play in eight games in his final season in Cleveland in 2024 but had a career-low 3.3 yards per carry and didn't look like the same back. Chubb could have a decent role for the Texans early in the season if starter Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) isn't ready, it could also be more of a committee approach involving Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks.

Friday, August 8, 10:53 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks ran for 26 yards off 10 attempts in Thursday's preseason loss to the Eagles. He added one catch (two targets) for three yards. Chase Brown began the contest with the rest of the starters. While Brooks handled the bulk of the touches, he only averaged 2.6 yards per carry. Despite the subpar showing on Thursday night, the 2025 No. 193 overall pick has looked good throughout training camp and appears to have earned the trust of the coaching staff. However, with Brown expected to get the majority of the snaps out of the backfield in 2025, there could be little room for Brooks to remain consistently involved, even if the rookie manages to secure the No. 2 spot on the depth chart over Samaje Perine. With the Bengals dropping their first game of the preseason, the team will look to get on track versus the Commanders on August 18.