In Sunday's loss to the Falcons, the Texans mustered 54 rushing yards on 17 carries.
According to Bill O'Brien, those numbers must change.
"We really need to work on the running game," the head coach said on Monday. "We've got to be able to run the football."Â
In the win over Tampa Bay, Alfred Blue carried 31 times for 139 yards. As an offense, the Texans ran the ball 46 times. They were on the field for 36:16.Â
In the three losses this year, the Texans have averaged 20.3 carries per contest. They held the ball for 24:41, 27:31 and 24:08 respectively in those three losses to the Chiefs, Panthers and Falcons.
"What's happened is, especially yesterday, we fell behind," O'Brien said. "It became more of a two-minute type of game early in the game. We were in more of a no huddle mode and trying to get back in the game, which obviously we really didn't do."
Arian Foster returned from a groin injury and caught a 15-yard pass on the Texans' first offensive play. He then carried for two yards and three yards before Ryan Mallett was picked off. On the day, Foster gained 10 yards on eight carries, and three passes for 25 yards. Physically, both Foster and O'Brien were positive about the Pro Bowler's health.
"I came out fine," Foster said.
The head coach reiterated that on Monday, saying Foster "should be ready" for the Thursday-nighter against Indianapolis.
The Texans will practice on Tuesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
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