The Houston Texans have reportedly made an offseason move that is easy to get on board with, and that is the addition of veteran Mark Ingram, signing the former Baltimore Ravens running back to a one-year deal worth $3 million.
The deal announced by ESPN Insider Adam Schefter should bring a smile to fans of the Houston Texans because as tough as it was to see Duke Johnson be released, this reported signing of Ingram does make a lot of sense, and he’ll most likely fill the vacated role left by the release of Duke Johnson.
Also, it will be fun to see what David Culley and Tim Kelly come up with for the new running back duo of David Johnson and Ingram, because the Houston Texans last season were next to last in terms of rushing stats in the entire NFL.
One plus about Mark Ingram from last season is he should be well-rested because he only had 72 rushes in 2020 in his final season with the Ravens, finishing 2020 with 299 yards and two touchdowns.
Also in ’20, Ingram finished with six receptions for 50 yards. For what he accomplished last season, PFF graded Ingram at 53.0 overall, as the veteran running back averaged 4.2 yards per carry.
Former Ravens' RB Mark Ingram reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Houston Texans, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2021
Just two seasons ago, Ingram had a 1,000-yard season with Baltimore, totaling 202 carries for 1,018 yards and 10 rushing scores. He also had 26 receptions in 2019 for 247 yards and five receiving scores.
Houston Texans: Mark Ingram missed some time in 2021
When it comes to Mark Ingram for the 2021 season, one shouldn’t expect to see the same running back of 2019 or 2020, but a running back that fits somewhere in the middle of those two seasons. If Ingram can be a good second option for David Johnson, that is what he should be doing for the Houston Texans.
This will also be the 11th season in the league for Ingram, and the running back has to have a lot of wear and tear on his body. On the plus side, he was active for only 11 games last season as he was on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, and he had an ankle injury, which cost him a couple games as well.
All in all for the Houston Texans, if they use Mark Ingram as much as they did Duke Johnson last season that will be a disservice to Ingram, because he needs to be involved with the Houston offense, and he should be able to be a positive for this offense.
Though none of us are sure who the starting quarterback will be for the Texans, what we know right now is the Texans have two veterans at running back who should have something to prove in 2021.
Is this a “prove it” type of contract for Ingram? Most likely, but he’s needed for this offense, and could — and should — surprise many for what he is able to bring to this team in the 2021 season.