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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cole Thompson

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans pleased with ‘wake-up call’ from rookie running backs

Initially, DeMeco Ryans planned for Houston Texans rookie running back Jawhar Jordan and British Brooks to see exclusive reps during the fourth quarter of the Hall of Fame game last Thursday night against the Chicago Bears.

The weather decided to quite literally rain on the team’s plan and their parade in the eventual 21-17 loss in Canton, Ohio.

Jordan, a sixth-round pick out of Louisville, finished with just three carries for five yards. Brooks, an undrafted free agent from North Carolina, touched the ball once for a loss of two yards.

Reps are essential to determine if a player can withstand contact at the pro level, so Jordan and Brooks are expected to see an expanded total of carries Friday night when Houston takes on Pittsburgh in its second preseason.

That doesn’t mean either player hasn’t impressed the coaching staff with the minor opportunities.

“Out of the reps they did get, they made the most out of it,” Ryans said. “You see Brooks made a nice play on special teams. Jawhar had a run that we think we could’ve done a better job of finishing and running the ball, so now I see how he’s running the ball in practice. He’s done a great job this week. Probably his best week of camp so far.”

Jordan, who last season finished with a 1,128 as Louisville’s top rusher, also adds value on special teams. He’s rotated in with Dameon Pierce, Tank Dell and others on kickoff and punt return drills.

Brooks, primarily used on third down in Chapel Hill last season, has been physical on kickoff and punt coverage while working with the third-team offense. In pass protection, he’s improved while guarding both Davis Mills and Case Keenum.

Although their rep counts were limited, Ryans views Thursday’s game as a positive baseline for both players to show what they must improve on if they hope to make the active roster.

“That game definitely served its purpose of showing the young guys, ‘Hey, what does it truly take to build and get better in the league.’ They’ve got that answer. They’ve got that wake-up call, so to speak. And they’ve shown it this week in practice.”

The Texans will kick off at Acrisure Stadium at 6 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on NFL Network.

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