Texans’ Phillip Lindsay says running back by committee keeps everyone healthy

HOUSTON — Through the first two preseason games, it appears that the Houston Texans will gradually rely on their run game in 2021. The Texans, who are entering their final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 2-0 record, have rushed for a total of 259 yards on 65 attempts while scoring three touchdowns.

Houston will enter the 2021 campaign with three quality players who can take the helm as the Texans’ primary running back. But a running back group by committee seems to be an inevitable outcome three weeks into training camp. And according to Phillip Lindsay, having a running back group by committee is the best way to keep the position group healthy and fresh.

“In this day in age — you need more than one running back,” Lindsay said following practice on Tuesday. “You guys don’t understand that the smallest hits are the ones that mess you up the most. But when we can go in and out and have so many players, not only does it keep you fresh — but it also keeps the defense on their heels. So it works to our advantage.”

Lindsay began his career as an every-down back during his first two seasons with the Denver Broncos. He rushed for 2,048 yards and 16 touchdowns while appearing in 31 out of a possible 32 games for his hometown. During his third season, it became obvious that the weekly hits taken to begin his career started to impact Lindsay’s on-field production.

Last season, injuries limited Lindsay to 11 games while rushing for a career-low 502 yards. He rushed for only one touchdown.

While joining a backfield that features the talents of Mark Ingram and David Johnson, Lindsay will not have to carry the burden of the Texans’ run game alone. But it will not keep the one-time Pro-Bowler from having a substantial impact in Houston.

“He’s got energy and he does have juice,” Texans head coach David Culley said. “He’s that way every day. In a way, I kind of see myself in him. We know what he’s done in his career. Where he’s come from. And what he’s done to this point. He’s just been that same guy since he’s been here with us, and right with our whole running back group — he’s fit right in perfectly with them.”