Houston Texans running backs evaluated day-by-day
Oct 6, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) runs with the ball after making a catch against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Texans 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Before their break from OTAs late this week, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien spoke about the Texans running backs situation, because behind starting running back Arian Foster there is a lot of questions to be asked of the others who will carry the ball.
As for O’Brien, he said the following on Thursday to the Houston media:
"“We evaluate it on a day-to-day basis based on how they are learning, how they’re progressing with the offense, and how they take that and apply it to produce on the field. To me, just like any other position, those guys are working hard.”"
Listed at running back on the Texans roster are: Alfred Blue, Andre Brown, Foster, Jonathan Grimes, Dennis Johnson and Toben Opurum.
Blue is the lone rookie on the running back roster.
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Coach O’Brien continued to talk about his running backs.
"“They’re coachable and they seem to be progressing pretty well. Again, it’s only three OTA practices. It’s May 29th, (and) we don’t play the Redskins until September 7th, so we’ve got a little time. It seems like the positions are progressing nicely.”"
Looking back at Foster, he missed eight games last season with his hamstring and back issues, but has said this offseason he’s fully recovered.
In 121 carries last season, Foster rushed for 542 yards for a 4.5 yard per carry average. He rushed for just one TD.
The Texans let Ben Tate leave the team this offseason, as he led the Texans with over 700 yards in his time as a starter and reserve running back last year.
Houston also cut Ray Graham this offseason.
O’Brien quoted provided by the Texans Media Dept.