Texans coach DeMeco Ryans addresses early run game woes in preseason

The addition of Joe Mixon was meant to fix the Houston Texans’ lackluster run game entering 2024.

Through two preseason matchups, woeful might be the best word to describe the AFC South’s ground game with Mixon sidelined.

While the Texans planned on utilizing Mixon as the lead workhorse back this fall, it’s best to use the preseason as a litmus test for depth purposes. So far, Houston’s totaled 134 yards on 43 carries in two contests.

Dameon Pierce has four yards on four carries. Cam Akers has 30 on 11.

DeMeco Ryans knows that while Mixon is the leading man, a team can only win if others are carrying their weight. The inability to win past the line of scrimmage doesn’t just fall on the running backs, but also the offensive line.

“We have to finish better on the front side to get the runs going,” Ryans said Sunday following practice. “I think a lot of our runs got stalled because we had guys penetrating in the backfield and guys shooting gaps. We have to respond better to movement to get our run game going.”

Mixon, who missed two weeks with a quad injury, returned to the huddle and was limited in front of fans on Saturday. The four-time 1,000-yard runner plans to be a missing element on the ground for the next several seasons after signing a three-year extension following a trade from Cincinnati this offseason.

While Mixon’s return was welcomed, so was Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil. The franchise left tackle had been sidelined since February after undergoing a knee procedure following the regular season.

Having Mixon and Tunsil back working with starters should stabilize everyone’s role, but it doesn’t change the issues of trusting the run. Houston ranked 23rd overall last season on the ground and hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard rusher since 2019.

The Texans take on the New York Giants this Saturday at noon CT.