Cam Akers put on a show in Saturday's victory, but he wasn't the only Texans running back to step up as Head Coach DeMeco Ryans' team closed out the preseason against the Rams.
The Texans triumphed 17-15 at NRG Stadium in the preseason finale. Akers carried seven times for 53 yards and caught three passes for 19 yards. But on the ground, his punishing end to a 23-yard run was a memorable one, just like his 7-yard catch that featured a bevy of spin moves. When asked afterwards whether he was dizzy, Akers had a quick quip ready.
"You might need to check on them," Akers said. "I'm good."
The other running backs were just as locked in. J.J. Taylor danced to a 30-yard performance and a week after scoring twice versus the Giants, British Brooks carried five times for 25 yards.
Afterwards Akers, who signed with the franchise in late July, and reflected on what he did throughout training camp and the August games.
"I just came to work," Akers said. "I got great guys I can look up to and feed off of great coaches, great culture. Just came in and played ball...make some plays."
Houston rumbled for 155 yards on 27 carries in the victory, and it was the most productive day running the ball in four preseason games for the Texans. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans stressed the importance of running successfully, and liked what he saw from Akers in the win.
"He's done a really nice job and everyone sees when he gets the ball in his hands in the games he's able to make defenders miss and he's able to continue to press forward and make plays," Ryans said of Akers.
The Texans and the rest of the NFL will trim the roster from 90 to 53 players by Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT.
