Houston Texans Running Back Competition Heats Up Ahead of 2024 Season

The Houston Texans are gearing up for one of the most intriguing backfield battles the team has seen in years. With expectations sky-high after last season’s playoff run, the spotlight now shifts to a reshaped running back room that must support one of the league’s most explosive offenses. The first mention of Houston instantly brings the energy of a city hungry for another step forward in 2024.

Veteran Joe Mixon arrives as the clear lead back after a productive run in Cincinnati. His physical style, strong receiving skills, and proven durability provide stability in Bobby Slowik’s offense. But behind him, the Texans have a growing group of young, hungry backs determined to carve out roles.

Who Will Step Up Behind Joe Mixon?

Dameon Pierce enters camp looking to rebound after a sophomore slump. His rookie year showed he can be one of the most punishing runners in the NFL, but he must fit more smoothly into the Texans’ zone-based scheme. Coaches still believe in his upside, and a strong camp could earn him a heavily used change-of-pace role.

Rookie addition Jawhar Jordan brings electric speed and big-play potential. His burst makes him a candidate for special teams reps while he competes for snaps on offense. If he adapts quickly, he could give Houston a missing element: a true open-field playmaker.

Don’t forget about J.J. Taylor, who has flashed shiftiness and receiving ability. While undersized, he’s shown he can make defenders miss in space. Depth matters, and Taylor’s versatility keeps him firmly in the mix.

Why This Backfield Matters for Houston's Offense

A strong run game takes pressure off C.J. Stroud as defenses adjust to his meteoric rise. With Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell stretching the field, the Texans need runners who can punish light defensive boxes and keep the offense balanced.

Mixon gives Houston a proven anchor, but the team’s ceiling depends on whether Pierce regains confidence and whether Jordan or Taylor can create spark plays. Depth could be the difference between maintaining momentum—and stalling late in the year.

What’s Next

Training camp will reveal how the rotation settles, but early signs suggest a committee behind Mixon. With more competition than ever, every rep will matter as Houston eyes a deeper postseason push.

This article is a summary of reporting by Battle Red Blog. Read the full story here.