Larger role could await Burkhead is expected to serve as Houston's primary option out of the backfield Sunday against the Colts with David Johnson (illness/thigh) listed as questionable but not expected t... Impact In Houston's first game since letting go Phillip Lindsay, Burkhead paced the Texans backfield with a 64-percent snap share, taking the field for 35 plays to Johnson's 20, while third-stringer Royce Freeman was limited exclusively to a special-teams role. The distribution of touches between Burkhead and Johnson was much more even, however, as the former gained 54 yards across 12 carries and three receptions, while the latter picked up 55 yards on 10 totes and two catches. Assuming Johnson is made inactive ahead of the 1 p.m. ET kickoff, Burkhead should take on a greater share of the backfield touches, but he could struggle to produce a meaningful stat line if the 2-9 Texans fall behind early and a forced into a pass-heavy game script. Freeman and practice-squad call-up Jaylen Samuels could also have roles on offense, though neither looks like a good bet to match the 12 touches Johnson saw last week.
DECEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE