Gurley-Austin combination poses ‘good challenge’ for defense
Todd Gurley is capable of running through or away from defenders. And Tavon Austin has rare speed as a hybrid running back and wide receiver.
The Los Angeles Rams’ running game has become particularly tough to stop this season.
They rank fifth in the NFL in rushing offense, averaging 131.9 yards per game.
Gurley has already rushed for 681 yards and seven touchdowns heading into Sunday’s game against the Texans’ ninthranked run defense.
“Downhill, cutback runner, great speed, great vision, good balance, runs hard,” Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel said of Gurley. “They’re doing a nice job of running the football, and it’ll be a good challenge for us.”
The Texans are allowing just 96 yards per game on the ground.
Austin, who played some running back at West Virginia, could be difficult to slow down.
“Obviously a very fast guy, got great quickness,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “Put him in a lot of different places, get him the ball in a lot of different ways. He’s an explosive player.”
Austin has rushed for 169 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries.
“He’s a fast back,” Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney said of Austin. “They like to get him the ball on jet sweeps, lot of outside plays. Everybody’s hamstrings are going to be loose. We’ve got to fly to the ball and get him down.”
Yates appreciates first-team reps
As the Texans’ backup quarterback, T.J. Yates is striving for an edge and hoping to stay sharp.
Running the scout team alone doesn’t exactly do the trick, though.
Yates has been taking some snaps with the first-team offense behind starter Tom Savage this week. Texans coach Bill O’Brien said Yates got six to eight reps the past two days, which is the typical amount for the backup quarterback.
Yates appreciates the work from O’Brien, which should help him and the Texans in case he’s called upon to play if Savage gets hurt or continues to struggle.
“Pretty comfortable,” Yates said. “He’s been gracious enough to give me some reps to get me back in a rhythm and get me back into it. Scout team reps are one thing. Getting reps with our guys, it’s been good to get back into it.”
Vrabel was on Rams’ short list
When the Los Angeles Rams were in the market for a new head coach after firing Jeff Fisher, Texans assistant coach Mike Vrabel was on their short list.
The Rams requested and were granted permission to interview Vrabel.
The interview wound up not happening, as the Rams moved quickly to hire Sean McVay. Texans coach Bill O’Brien ended up promoting Vrabel from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator, with Romeo Crennel becoming his assistant head coach.
“We were trying to defeat the Patriots in the playoff game and then got word that it wasn’t going to happen, the interview,” Vrabel said. “They hired Sean, obviously a great choice. Then things, how they happened here, Bill made me the coordinator. I think I’m just trying to do the best job that I can, get these guys going.”
Griffin ruled out; Joseph returns
Texans tight end Ryan Griffin remains in the NFL concussion protocol and hasn’t practiced this week. He will miss Sunday’s game. The Texans still hope to activate tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, who, like Griffin, has had two concussions this season. … Cornerback Johnathan Joseph (knee) returned to practice but rookie linebacker Dylan Cole (hamstring) and defensive end Joel Heath (knee) didn’t practice. … Chris Clark is expected to get the start over rookie Julien Davenport at left tackle, but both will play.