Texans Running Backs Outlook | 2023 Position Breakdown

Statistically, the Texans running game in 2022 wasn’t that much better than it was in 2021.

Houston averaged 86.8 yards per game in 2022 a year after going for 83.6 yards per.

But it FELT different with the emergence of rookie Dameon Pierce in 2022, who ultimately becomes the starting point for the 2023 Texans offense, regardless of who takes over as the offensive coordinator.

That said, there has yet to be an OC or DC named to the coaching staff, just head coach DeMeco Ryans.

So the outlook on ANY position group will change over the next three, four weeks, months…years, etc.

Nothing is set in stone, but there’s a team to build, so let’s dive into what we know right now and how that impacts the team building for 2023.

Here’s my Position Breakdown for the Texans RB in 2023.

Under contract, returning for 2023

Dameon Pierce – 2022 4th rounder – Pierce became the number one, the alpha, the star in the running game, appealing to fans and Texans players alike with his bruising style and flashy smile. His run at Jacksonville was…put it this way, I saw it live and couldn’t believe he never went down. I saw it the other day again and it was just as incredible as it was in person. Pierce fell short of 1000 yards only because he was injured at Dallas with four games left in the season. That said, it’s nice to know that the Texans have Pierce ready to roll in 2023 and beyond.

2022 stats – 220 carries, 939 yards, four TD, 30 receptions, 165 yards and one TD

Dare Ogunbowale – 2017 college free agent, Returned as a 2022 free agent – I loved the fact that the Texans brought Ogunbowale back into the fold. He’s the perfect teammate. He’s a vital contributor on special teams and when he finally got touches out in Las Vegas, he showed he could be a valuable offensive piece going forward. Winning teams have, at least, two or three Dare Ogunbowale types on the roster. I’m glad the original Dare Ogunbowale is here in Houston. He understands his role and how he can impact this squad every…