Houston Texans: Fighting for a roster spot

Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Kenny Hilliard (27) gets tripped up by Florida Gators defensive back Marcus Maye (20) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Hilliard

A seventh round selection this past draft out of LSU, running back Kenny Hilliard has been less than impressive thus far in the preseason. In the first three games the 6′ tall and 226 pound runner has totaled only 67 yards on 30 carries. He has also caught two passes for 28 yards during these games.

Hilliard has more carries than any other running back on the team, meaning the coaching staff has given him every chance to go out and prove he belongs in the NFL. So far, he hasn’t taken advantage.

So if he has been so bad this preseason why is he on this list? Because while his 2.2 yard per carry average is bad, the two guys ahead of him are averaging 3.1 (Chris Polk) and 3.2 (Jonathan Grimes) yards per rush.

Only Alfred Blue is averaging above four yards per rush this preseason, as he has a 4.8 yard average on his 17 carries.

With starting running back Arian Foster out for a few weeks, no one besides Blue has really established themselves as a threat in the backfield. Hilliard really only needs one explosive outing to make the Texans staff think twice about cutting him in favor of one of the higher priced veterans ahead of him.

Next: This team needs something special