The Houston Texans announced Monday that they have agreed to terms with running back Alfred Blue.
The @HoustonTexans have re-signed RB Alfred Blue (@AlfredBlue4).
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) April 30, 2018
The team also released TE Zach Conque, CB Bryce Jones, TE Ryan Malleck and OLB Gimel President. pic.twitter.com/AovZXPZyPA
Blue will be returning to Houston on a one-year deal and will add depth to the running back position.
In 11 games last season, Blue rushed for 262 yards and one touchdown on 71 carries. Blue also added seven catches for 54 yards in the passing game.
The 2017 season was the first year in Blue’s career that he did not start a single game. This is due to the fact that Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman are higher on the depth chart and received starts over Blue.
Over Blue’s Texans tenure he has seen time as a starter and as a change of pace back. As a member of the Texans Blue has started 14 games while appearing in 56 total. In four seasons Blue has accumulated 1,908 yards on the ground and six rushing touchdowns. Blue has always been more of a factor in the running game than the passing game, with only 49 career receptions for 316 yards and two receiving touchdowns in his career.
While the Texans have Miller and Foreman currently entrenched in the top two positions on the depth chart, Blue should get work as the third back on the roster. Of course Blue’s workload could increase if Foreman is not fully healed by the time the season starts. There is also the possibility that Blue sees time if Miller is not effective or suffers an injury.
As long as Miller and Foreman are healthy and productive Blue should see a modest workload. Somewhere in the neighborhood of last season’s numbers should be expected. The role of the third running back on a roster is not a glorious one. However it is valuable for at team like the Texans.