The Texans entered Monday night’s preseason game against the Jets with three running backs nursing hamstring injuries. Arian Foster, Ben Tate and Steve Slaton have spent more time on stationary bikes than on the practice field.
The coaches hope to get all three back this week for Saturday’s game against New Orleans. Derrick Ward, who averaged 6.3 yards a carry as Foster’s primary backup last season, suffered a head injury in the first quarter of the Jets’ game. That left Chris Ogbonnaya and Javarris Williams as the only healthy backs.
Williams was signed last week. Ogbonnaya went to high school in Houston and played at the University of Texas. He was headed for medical school, but when St. Louis offered him a chance, he delayed his plans.
The Texans signed him to their practice squad last season.
Playing with the starters and reserves in the first half against the Jets, Ogbonnaya ran 12 times for 32 yards and caught four passes for 54 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown reception from QB Matt Leinart. Injuries are the only way he has a chance to make the roster, but he’s a strong candidate for the practice squad again.
Notes: The Texans have five linebackers drafted in the first or second round. Mario Williams (who played defensive end in Houston’s old 4-3 scheme) and Brian Cushing were first-round picks. DeMeco Ryans, Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed were second-round picks. Xavier Adibi, who’s had problems staying healthy, moved from outside in the 4-3 to inside in the 3-4. He had two sacks in the first half against the Jets. The Texans had four sacks in the first half. In the 2010 preseason, they had eight.
No comments:
Post a Comment