Delay can withdraw from the race at any time. Texas law says that after a certain time, he cannot withdraw and be replaced. That time limit has long since expired. The Republicans seek to remove him and select someone and put that someone on the ballot. The law in Texas is quite clear on the subject, and all judges who have reviewed the case have said so. If there's any game-playing going on, then it is the Republicans doing it.

If the Republicans feel that this law is so odious, then they should get their Texas state legislature to change it.

I haven't read anything on the subject in over a week, so it is possible that your complaint is specific about some recent development that I am not aware of?