BUDDY HOWELL NEWS

Returns for full practice Howell (hamstring) was a full practice participant Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Impact Howell was inactive for Sunday's divisional-round win over the Buccaneers due to a hamstring injury. However, he managed a limited practice Wednesday, before upgrading to a full session Thursday. That should put him in line to return to his role on special teams in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against San Francisco.

JANUARY 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Not available Sunday Howell (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's divisional matchup with the Rams, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Impact As expected, Howell will miss his second straight postseason game due to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old hasn't played an offensive snap all season, so his absence will only impact the Rams' special-teams unit.

JANUARY 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play Sunday Howell (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's divisional-round matchup against Tampa Bay, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Impact Howell didn't practice at all this week and will likely miss his second straight game due to the hamstring injury. The 25-year-old hasn't played an offensive snap all season, so his absence will only impact the Rams' special-teams unit.

JANUARY 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Monday Howell (hamstring) is inactive Monday against the Cardinals, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Impact Howell was unable to practice all week, so his inability to suit up Monday doesn't come as a surprise. The 25-year-old hasn't played an offensive snap all season, so his absence will only impact the Rams' special teams unit.

JANUARY 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play Monday Howell (hamstring) is doubtful for Monday's wild-card matchup, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Howell was unable to practice this week and appears unlikely to suit up in the playoff opener. He's played primarily on special teams this year, so his status shouldn't impact the Rams' backfield rotation.

JANUARY 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Misses practice Friday Howell (hamstring) did not practice Friday and is considered questionable for Monday against the Cardinals, Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire reports.

Impact Howell's inability to practice yet this week is not a good sign for his availability in the wild-card round. However, with the Rams not playing until Monday, he does have an extra day to heal. Howell hasn't played an offensive snap since Week 8 against the Titans, so a potential absence would only impact the Rams' special-teams unit.

JANUARY 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off injured reserve The Rams activated Howell (thigh) from injured reserve Saturday.

Impact Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson should handle the majority of the backfield reps Sunday at Minnesota, leaving Jake Funk and Howell as the reserve options after completing their respective stints on IR this week. Meanwhile, L.A. also activated Cam Akers (Achilles) from the reserve/non-football injury list Saturday, but he won't make his season debut just yet. Whenever Akers receives clearance to play -- whether it's Week 17 or 18 or in the postseason -- Howell will fall further down the depth chart.

DECEMBER 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Designated for return from IR Howell (thigh) was designated to return from injured reserve Friday.

Impact Howell doesn't figure to factor into the mix on offense much, owning just five carries for 11 yards all season, but he does contribute on special teams for the Rams. With Howell's 21-day window now open, he could be back in action before the regular season concludes.

DECEMBER 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Heading to IR Howell (thigh) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Impact The running back will miss at least three weeks before he can be activated, though he is expected to return after the minimum stay on IR. With Darrell Henderson (thigh) questionable to play in Week 13 against the Jaguars, Howell's absence could leave Sony Michel as the Rams' only healthy option in the backfield for the contest. They would likely elevate someone from the practice squad if Henderson were to be out.

DECEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Handles first carries of campaign Howell rushed five times for 11 yards on Los Angeles' final two possession during Sunday's 38-22 win over Houston

Impact The first-year Ram has suited up for three games this season, but Sunday was the first time he played an offensive snap. Howell is firmly No. 3 on the running back depth chart, at best, and unlikely to receive meaningful fantasy opportunities moving forward barring an injury to Darrell Henderson and/or Sony Michel.

NOVEMBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Signed to active roster The Rams signed Howell to the active roster from the practice squad Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Impact Howell had already been elevated for two games with the Rams this season, but he was limited exclusively to special teams in those appearances. It looks like he will be available in a reserve capacity for Sunday's upcoming game against Detroit.

OCTOBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Back to practice squad Howell reverted to the Rams' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transactions report.

Impact Howell bumped up to the active roster for Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals, in which he handled 16 snaps on special teams and notched one tackle on kick coverage. He now returns to his usual spot on the scout team.

OCTOBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Joins Rams' roster Howell has been elevated to the Rams' 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals, Kevin Modesti of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Impact With Darrell Henderson (ribs) questionable, the Rams have opted to boost their depth at running back by adding Howell to their active roster. If Henderson ultimately is unable to go, Howell will back up Sony Michel and Jake Funk as the team's No. 3 back. Howell also could see some run on special teams.

OCTOBER 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Reverts back to practice squad Howell reverted back to the Rams' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction reports.

Impact With Darrell Henderson (ribs) questionable, Howell was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers. The 25-year-old running back logged 17 snaps on special teams, but he didn't record any stats. Sony Michel paced the Rams' backfield in Henderson's absence with 20 carries for 67 yards.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Can't crack deep RB room Howell was waived by the Texans on Monday, independent NFL journalist Aaron Wilson reports.

Impact Howell played 86 offensive snaps over 45 games through three seasons with the Texans. He couldn't secure a roster spot after Mark Ingram, Phillip Lindsay and Rex Burkhead joined the running back room with holdover David Johnson this offseason.

AUGUST 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Activated off COVID list Howell was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday,

Impact Howell is looking to earn a spot on the Texans' 53-man roster, so his return to training camp will be advantageous for his chances. He's primarily been a special-teams contributor for the past three seasons.

AUGUST 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

On COVID-19 list to start camp Howell has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, per the NFL's official transaction wire.

Impact Howell returns to Houston on a one-year deal after playing 789 special teams snaps for the team over the past three seasons. He'll look to return to training camp once he is fully recovered.

JULY 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Re-ups in Houston Howell signed a one-year contract with the Texans, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact The Texans had an option to tender the 24-year-old running back, but they decided to sign him and include guaranteed money instead. Howell mostly contributes on special teams in 2020 as he played just 47 offensive snaps, recording 64 yards on 16 carries and three yards on his lone reception. It's unclear whether David Johnson or Duke Johnson will be back in Houston for the 2021 season, but Howell won't be more than a change-of-pace back regardless.

FEBRUARY 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Heads to free agency Howell will become a restricted free agent during the upcoming offseason.

Impact In Howell's third year with the Texans, he finished with a career highs in offensive snaps (47), carries (16) and yards (64). He received a limited late-season look when David Johnson contracted COVID-19 and the coaching staff soured on Duke Johnson and C.J. Prosise. Prior to that, Howell played mostly on special teams. The Texans are expected to revamp the running back position during the offseason after naming a new general manager and head coach, but it's unlikely Howell would be anything more than third on the depth chart if Houston brings him back for a fourth season.

JANUARY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Elevates to No. 2 Howell carried five times for 22 yards in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Colts.

Impact Howell moved up to second on the depth chart behind David Johnson as Duke Johnson (neck) and C.J. Prosise (ankle) were inactive. Howell, a special teams stalwart, has been given more opportunities the last two weeks while both Johnsons dealt with injuries. The third-year running back has not been used much on offense, and his 16 carries in 2020 are a career high.

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Surprising workload in loss Howell rushed 11 times for 42 yards and secured one of two targets for three yards in the Texans' 36-7 loss to the Bears on Sunday.

Impact The undrafted third-year pro was surprisingly afforded a double-digit carry workload in the absence of David Johnson (reserve/COVID-19), with interim coach Romeo Crennel apparently not satisfied with the middling production Duke Johnson had provided in his teammate's absence earlier this season. Howell acquitted himself reasonably well given the unfavorable game circumstances, and consequently, the Florida Atlantic product could be set for a similar or greater workload in a Week 15 battle versus the Colts if David Johnson remains sidelined.

DECEMBER 13, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Little run on offense Howell played one snap on offense in Week 10's 10-7 loss to the Browns.

Impact With David Johnson (concussion) on injured reserve, the Texans ground attack featured Duke Johnson and quarterback Deshaun Watson. Howell and C.J. Prosise (two offensive snaps) played mostly on special teams while Duke Johnson had just 54 yards on 14 carries (3.9 YPC) in the loss. David Johnson will miss at least the next two games, but it's unclear if Howell will see greater opportunity.

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Plays first offensive snaps Howell did not register a touch in five offensive snaps in Sunday's 27-25 win over the Jaguars.

Impact Howell was elevated to a minor role on offense after David Johnson (concussion) was removed from the game. Duke Johnson became the lead running back while Howell received scant duty. Primarily a special teams stalwart, Howell played his first snaps on offense in 2020. He has five rushing attempts in two-plus seasons with Houston.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Ready to rock Sunday Howell (hamstring) will be available for Sunday's game versus the Packers.

Impact Howell has missed the last two games, but he played exclusively on special teams in the previous four outings. He likely won't get any tread on offense once again as David Johnson, Duke Johnson and C.J. Prosise are all healthy heading into Week 7.

OCTOBER 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Officially ruled out Howell (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Titans.

Impact Howell was listed as questionable heading into the weekend, but the 24-year-old running back didn't travel with the team and will be inactive. He has only played on special teams this season, as David Johnson and Duke Johnson handle most of the backfield touches now that they're both healthy.

OCTOBER 17, 2020 • ROTOWIRE