IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 30, 2018: Mini Collectable Football Helmet for the Houston Texans of the American Football Conference South.
Texans waive RB Eno Benjamin
After four weeks with the Houston Texans, a man offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton referred to as an “explosive playmaker” has been given his walking papers.
On Tuesday, the Houston Texans decided to waive running back Eno Benjamin, according to a report from Adam Schefter.
The Texans claimed Benjamin off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals, who waived him on Nov. 14. Benjamin was inactive his first two weeks with the team. He was active for the Texans’ 27-14 loss to Cleveland, but in minimal playing time, did not receive a carry and was not targeted. In Houston’s 27-23 loss to the Cowboys in Dallas Sunday, he had three carries for 1 yard and was not targeted.
Benjamin had been referred to as an “explosive playmaker” by offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton and someone they felt could be of help and value to the team, but he really never got a chance to show himself in game action.
The move comes as a mild surprise, considering the Texans’ lack of depth at the running back position and the questions surrounding the health of starter Dameon Pierce. Pierce left Houston’s Week 14 game in Dallas with an ankle injury and did not return. Pierce’s injury is why the team turned to Rex Burkhead on a critical goal-to-go series that ultimately proved both fruitless and crucial to their loss.
Dare Ogunbowale is the only other running back on the roster. Burkhead and Ogunbowale have not been overly successful carrying the football this season. Burkhead has 26 carries for 80 yards (3.1 YPC), and Ogunbowale has eight carries for 27 yards (3.4 YPC). Both players have shown more production in the passing game than as ball carriers.
Royce Freeman is the only running back currently on the Texans’ practice squad.
A move was expected to be made by Houston as quarterback Jeff Driskel is out of practice squad elevations and must either be signed or released. The expectation is that the Texans will sign Driskel for the remainder of the season.