Ex-Hurricanes tracking in the backfield
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Now that the Texans have traded for former Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson, they’ve formed a tandem with a fellow former University of Miami standout.
Lamar Miller, who finished playing for Miami and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins one year before Johnson took over for him as a true freshman starter, can’t wait to form a partnership with the versatile fellow Hurricanes football alum.
Johnson was acquired by the Texans for a conditional 2020 fourth-round draft pick that can become a third-round pick if he’s active for 10 games. He passed his physical and the team formally announced his acquisition on Friday. To make room for him on the roster, the team waived defensive end Ira Savage-Lewis.
Johnson and Miller are both intrigued by the possibilities working together.
“It’s good,” Miller said. “I spoke to him this morning. He’s excited. I’m excited to have him on the same team. He’s a very talented player. He catches the ball out of the backfield pretty good. He can run the ball as well. Just to have him is really cool.”
Crockett’s work ethic catches O’Brien’s eye
Busting through an arm tackle attempt by Green Bay Packers nose tackle Tyler Lancaster, Texans rookie running back Damarea Crockett bulled his way into the end zone for his first NFL touchdown.
Crockett displayed outstanding second effort and strength on the 1-yard score at Lambeau Field in Thursday’s 28-26 loss to the Packers.
“Finally getting your feet wet in your first NFL game, more than anything, the speed of the game and getting that in-game feeling of real tackling and picking up blitzes,” Crockett said. “Just going to work hard every day, I want to be a teammate where my teammates can say: ‘I can trust that guy.’ I want to build trust with my teammates.
“It’s definitely special with all the history the Packers have in their program. Just being in your first game and scoring, it’s amazing.”
An undrafted rookie, Crockett is competing with Karan Higdon and others for a roster spot. Crockett rushed for 24 yards on six carries. Higdon gained 37 yards on eight carries.
“He’s been playing hard, him and Higdon,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “Crockett and Higdon have really shown up and got better every day since they arrived. Those are the type of guys we’re looking for: guys who really care about the team and work hard. That’s what those two guys are.”
Crockett said he doesn’t focus on the competition. He thinks about making the most of each opportunity.
“Honestly, I don’t know if it’s like this on another NFL team,” he said. “We know we’re battling. Everybody is working hard and not comparing themselves. It’s a very competitive backfield. We know that and we support each other.”
Tight end Adams makes an impression
On a team crowded with talented tight ends, Texans reserve Jerell Adams made a case Thursday night to be considered for a roster spot.
Adams caught a touchdown pass during a preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers. Adams, a former New York Giants sixthround draft pick from South Carolina who has 24 career receptions for 214 yards and one touchdown, had good chemistry with third-string quarterback Joe Webb.
“He told me the play before that if I got outside leverage he would be coming to me,” Adams said of his huddle conversation with Webb before the score. “So, I worked the guy to get outside leverage and we made it happen.”
Adams is competing with several players to try stick on the roster, including Kahale Warring, Darren Fells, Jordan Thomas and Jordan Akins. Adams caught three passes for 17 yards.
“I felt like I had an all right night,” Adams said. “I had one dropped ball. I just worked hard and tried to make some plays.”