The Houston Texans are in somewhat of a tricky situation at running back. After opting to release D’Onta Foreman they now have no clear experienced backup behind veteran Lamar Miller, who himself is in a contract year.
This lack of depth is cause for concern as they head into their first preseason game of the year on Thursday at the Green Bay Packers. Despite having multiple players at the position such as Josh Ferguson, Buddy Howell, Taiwan Jones, and rookies Damarea Crockett, and Karan Higdon, their respective experience level’s in the league is limited at best.
However, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle told the “Texans Talk Podcast” that he believes the ultimate backup is not currently on the Texans roster.
“I’ll guarantee you the backup is on another team,” said McClain on Monday.
“The General,” as he is fondly known in the Houston sportswriting community, is one of the most highly respected voices in NFL media and if he says that the backup is likely elsewhere at this point, fans better be prepared for some big moves from the Texans come cutdown day.
“Rob Kisiel, the pro personnel director, he’s got 10 to 20 deep at every position so if a guy becomes available he’ll talk to Matt Bazirgan about it, the director of player personnel,” said McClain. “Then they’ll go to [coach] (Bill) O’Brien and O’Brien will ask them what they think and he’ll ask the running backs coach what he thinks and then they’ll decide if they want to go after this person or not. So, I do think that guy’s on another team.”
At this point in time with training camp barely underway it is anybody’s guess who gets cut and, as a result, becomes available for the Texans. But Houstonians will want to keep an eye on the performances of running backs league-wide this preseason.
