What will Andre Brown bring to the Texans in ’14?

Jun 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Andre Brown (33) goes through drills during mini camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

With the starting running back position set for the Houston Texans in Arian Foster, it the backup running back spot to replace Ben Tate is one position battle I’m looking froward to this training amp.

There is rookie Alfred Blue who could turn heads in his first training camp, then there is veteran Andre Brown whom the Texans signed this past April to most likely enter training camp as the second running back on the depth chart.

When he was signed by the Texans, ESPN.com wrote about Brown:

"“Brown didn’t blossom as a player until 2012, when he served as the team’s goal-line back and scored eight rushing touchdowns before breaking his leg with five games left in the season.”"

Brown has broken the same leg twice.

Even with the past leg injuries, Brown could be the bruiser back the Texans need in goal line situations, because without Tate in the lineup anymore (he left via free agency to the Cleveland Browns) there is a big void that needs to be filed.

What Brown also has in his favor is he does have NFL experience, and he’s been battling for roster spots his entire NFL career, earning every single snap he’s ever had in the league.

In limited time last season, Brown carried the ball 139 times for 492 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 3.5 yards per carry. For his career he has 214 carries for 876 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Looking at the Texans, the two players who seem to be their top two running backs have become injury prone as of late. Foster is coming off the back surgery and Brown has the twice broken leg.

It will be very worthwhile to watch the RB situation all season just to see if Brown and his RB teammates can stay healthy for an entire 17-week schedule.