Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.
Back with another installment, focusing on the position previews for the Houston Texans roster. Up next, it is time to look at Houston's running back situation.
It took a preseason game in Dallas to change the trajectory of the Houston Texans' backfield. Lamar Miller — a Pro Bowl half-back a year prior — tore his ACL two minutes into a preseason game against the Cowboys ending his 2019 season.
With Miller placed on injured reserved, the Texans traded for Carlos Hyde a week before the start of the season. He had a breakout year in 2019, recording over 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career (1,070). While sharing the backfield with Duke Johnson, Hyde helped the Texans generate one of the most explosive dual-threat running back systems in the league.
Houston will now be without either of their starting running backs as they prepare for training camp in July. The departure of both Miller and Hyde has left a gaping hole in the backfield, and it is uncertain which of the Texans' five running backs can fill the empty void.
David Johnson: Starter
In 2016, many considered David Johnson to be the best running back in the league. He fell 121 yards shy from joining the elusive 1,000-1,000 club, as the All-Pro back recorded 1,239 yards on the ground on 293 attempts (4.2 AVG), to go along with 879 yards receiving on 80 catches with 20 total touchdowns. Four years later, an injury-riddled Johnson was the Texans' grand-prize in a deal that sent DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite the lopsided trade, a healthy Johnson could be an extraordinary addition to the Texans in hindsight. He still possesses the talent to be a top-tear running back, which gives him the advantage to take the reins as Houston's No. 1 option following Hyde's departure. Although he is still a solid power-back, Johnson is still a proficient pass catcher. He has recorded a total of 208 receptions for 2,219 yards throughout his career — giving Deshaun Watson another reliable target in 2020.
However, the 28-year-old running back has been in decline since his breakout campaign in 2016. Last season, he rushed for 345 yards (3.7 AVG) in 13 games, which led to the Cardinals' decision to move forward with Kenyan Drake as their primary back.
It is unsure what to expect from Johnson in 2020. He could be the Texans' primary back running taking the majority of the workload, or a potential waste of a roster spot costing Houston $11.1 million. Regardless of what's in store, the chances of Johnson returning to his All-Pro form are slim to none.
Duke Johnson: Backup
Much of Duke Johnson's responsibilities in 2020 will depend on the performance of David Johnson. If the former All-Pro running back produces an exceptional season, expect Duke to continue his role as a third-down back who can provide Watson an additional target coming out of the backfield. Nonetheless, should David proceed on a declining slope, Duke would seize the opportunity to be featured as a franchise's primary back.
Duke was a vital piece to the Texans' success in 2019. As an all-round half-back, he ended the year with 410 rush yards (4.9 AVG) and 410 receiving yards (9.3 AVG) with five total touchdowns. He nearly split touches evenly with his backfield-mate Carlos Hyde — resulting in a career-year for Duke.
After a full season playing under Bill O'Brien, the 26-year-old running back should presumably take on more of an offensive load in 2020. And with similar attributes as David, replicating a successful duel-back system will be the best-case scenario for both Duke and the Texans as a whole.
Buddy Howell: Third String
Buddy Howell is entering the 2020 season in a unique situation. Expect to see the 24-year-old running back continue his work on special teams. But the uncertainty surrounding the Texans' backfield may provide an opportunity for Howell to move up the depth chart.
He appeared in 39 snaps since 2018 — with 25 coming during the Texans' season finale against the Titans last season. For his career, he has only recorded 10 yards on five carries. But sharing the same position highlighted by Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller hindered Howell's chances to showcase his potential coming out of the backfield.
If either of the Johnsons succumb to injury or falls short of expectations, Howell can step in taking advantage of the opportunity at hand. In a small sample size, Howell already proved his worth as a back up running back. While helping the Texans take 30-23 preseason victory over the Lions, Howell notched 84 rushing yards (5.6 AVG) on 15 attempts, to go along with one touchdown in the win. Assuming he stays healthy, Howell will be Houston's insurance policy for 2020.
Karan Higdon: Depth
Karan Higdon Jr. signed with the Texans following the 2019 NFL Draft. He came up short from making Houston's final 53-man roster, but was a member of the team's practice squad last season. In four seasons at the University of Michigan, Higdon rushed for 2,616 yards and posted 27 touchdowns. During his senior season, he tallied a career-best 1,178 rushing yards — third-most in the Big 10 for 2018.
With two fewer preseason games, securing a place on the Texans' roster is still a tall order stacked against Higdon. In four preseason games in 2019, the Michigan prodigy recorded 103 rushing yards on 36 carries and no touchdowns.
Scottie Phillips: Depth
Scottie Phillips is one of nine undrafted rookies who signed with the Texans in April. The 5-foot-8 running back may have the most upside out of his five contemporaries — as many considered Phillips' signing one of the most prominent steals following the draft.
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The Astros closed out their latest road trip with a winning record, a feat made more impressive considering the turbulence at the back of the rotation. Brandon Walter and Ryan Gusto both endured rough outings, with Walter in particular getting tagged hard. Still, Houston salvaged the finale, thanks largely to Mauricio Dubón’s breakout performance. The utilityman launched two home runs to power an offense that’s quietly been heating up for weeks.
But even with a solid finish, not everything is trending upward.
Josh Hader, who’s been one of the game’s most reliable closers this season, has begun to show signs of vulnerability. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six outings. While his overall numbers remain strong, the long ball—a problem that plagued him last year—is starting to creep back into the picture.
As the Astros return home, the schedule offers no breather. They’ll face the Phillies and Cubs before a brief trip to Colorado to take on the struggling Rockies. After that comes a marquee series against the defending champion Dodgers in Los Angeles. With three of their next four opponents being legitimate World Series threats, the coming stretch looms large.
Can the bats keep pace?
If the last month is any indication, the Astros have reason to feel optimistic. Christian Walker has started to show signs of life after a quiet start to the season, hitting .260 with a .762 OPS and five home runs over the past 30 days. José Altuve has been scorching with a .302 average and .901 OPS in that span, while Jeremy Peña has taken things to another level, batting .384 with a 1.009 OPS.
As a team, the Astros rank 7th in OPS, 5th in runs, 3rd in batting average, and 7th in home runs over the last 30 days. It’s a surge that’s come at the right time—and one they’ll need to sustain.
The injury picture is also starting to shift in Houston’s favor.
Cristian Javier threw a 20-pitch live BP today in West Palm Beach. According to Joe Espada, he was up to 95 mph.
Luis Garcia should throw a live BP next week.
Spencer Arrighetti is still not throwing off a mound yet.
Yordan Alvarez has not resumed hitting.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 20, 2025
Joe Espada told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that Christian Javier recently threw a live batting practice session, touching 95 mph as he continues his return from Tommy John surgery. JP France has thrown multiple live BPs and could be ready to help if things continue to progress with his shoulder. Luis Garcia, however, remains further away despite undergoing surgery more than two years ago. He's expected to throw a live BP this week.
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) should be able to return in August, and Lance McCullers has resumed throwing and is currently on the 15-day IL with a foot sprain.
The Astros are winning. The offense is rolling. The reinforcements are on the way. But with a brutal stretch looming, the team’s margin for error is about to be put to the test.
There's so much more to cover! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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