When the Houston Texans waived running back D’Onta Foreman, there weren’t too many questions about the running back corps. However, when starter Lamar Miller tore his ACL in the club’s 34-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys Saturday night at AT&T Stadium, it created great ambivalence at the position, at least to outsiders.
Still, coach Bill O’Brien maintains optimism about the rushing offense despite the loss of a Pro Bowler in Miller.
“I think, as you look at our running back situation right now, we have a good situation,” O’Brien told reporters Monday. “I think adding Duke Johnson was a good move. He’s been good in the meeting room, in practice, a very professional attitude.”
The Texans traded for Johnson by sending a conditional 2020 fourth-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns. The former Miami Hurricane has 10 starts to his 64-game career and has yet to register a 100-yard rushing game. The club dealt for Johnson to aid in the passing game and complement Miller, not replace him.
“Taiwan Jones, that addition in the offseason was a good one,” O’Brien said of the primarily special teams back. “Buddy Howell has been a really steady guy for us on special teams.”
The club also has a trio of rookies in undrafted running back Damarea Crockett and fellow undrafted free agent Karan Higdon. Seventh-round fullback Cullen Gillaspia rounds out the triumvirate, but the former Texas A&M 12th Man is still seen as a player needing to make his bones on special teams before getting any consideration on offense.
The Texans will play the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason finale Thursday at NRG Stadium. The reps between all of the running backs should help the coaching staff determine what direction they need to go, and if they really need to look for help outside the roster.
