Reserve back showing versatility
Diving forward to extend the football in his right hand across the goal line inside the pylon, Texans running back Duke Johnson was too quick for the Kansas Chiefs’ defense to stop Sunday.
The versatile backup scored on an 11-yard catch as he swung out of the backfield, marking his first touchdown since joining the Texans in a preseason trade from the Cleveland Browns.
Because Johnson is so capable of beating defenses outside as a receiver or making them miss in the open field, his role is continuing to grow while working in tandem with starter Carlos Hyde.
When asked what he likes about how he’s utilized, Johnson replied: “Everything.”
Johnson has rushed for 239 yards on 37 carries for an average of 6.5 yards per run. He has 11 receptions for 105 yards.
“I get a chance to make plays and make things happen,” said Johnson, who had a 40-yard carry that is a season high for the Texans. “Whenever my number is called, that’s all I can ask for. It’s about going out there and making plays.”
Against the Chiefs, Johnson caught two passes for 20 yards and rushed for 34 yards on five carries.
“Duke’s a good player,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s a very instinctive guy. He’s been doing a good job for us. He had a couple of nice runs. He’s just a good pro. He just works hard. He’s a very smart, very instinctive guy.”
The Texans’ running game is led by Hyde, who has rushed for 426 yards and three touchdowns.
Hyde and Johnson played together with the Browns last season before Hyde was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hyde, at 6-foot, 230 pounds, is a bigger, more punishing back compared to Johnson, a compact 5-9, 210.
“It’s fun,” Johnson said. “We had a similar thing in Cleveland before he got traded. We’re familiar with each other. It’s fun going out there and having a good time.”
The Texans rushed for 192 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs. They averaged nearly 5 yards per carry.
“The guys up front do a great job of moving the pile,” Johnson said. “Even when it’s not perfect, they go out and put maximum effort to get us little holes, little gaps for me and Carlos to try and do the best that we can moving our feet and finding holes.”
Since adding Hyde and Johnson through trades along with offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills, the offense is starting to click.
“I think that’s the biggest thing for us,” Johnson said. “We started off the year with a lot of new guys. We’re still not there yet. It’s a long season, but each game we’re going to get better.”