HOUSTON – Running back Eno Benjamin made his first appearance as a Houston Texan on Thursday at the Methodist Training facility. Houston acquired him off waivers after the Arizona Cardinals released him on Tuesday.
“I think he’s dynamic,” Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton said of Benjamin during his weekly press conference on Thursday. “From watching the film earlier in the season, he’s an explosive playmaker.”
It is unlikely that Benjamin, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, will see any action Sunday when the Texans take on the Houston Commanders at NRG Stadium since he arrived so late to the team and will only have two days of practice.
Benjamin was very productive this season as he started three games for the Cardinals when running back James Conner had to sit due to injury. He carried the ball 70 times for 299 yards, which equated to 4.3 yards per carry. Once inserted into the running back rotation, Benjamin will accept his role as the potential backup to rookie Dameon Pierce.
The fourth-round selection out of the University of Florida is on pace to become the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with 772 rushing yards on the season.
“He is a great back,” Benjamin said when asked about Pierce. “I have been watching him. Specifically, in the [Philadelphia] Eagles game when all eyes were on that game. Me and my former Arizona teammates were watching that game and said, ‘This guy is running the ball.'”
The Texans have had a drop-off in production once Pierce leaves the field, with current backup Rex Burkhead being inefficient and Dare Ogunbowale not seeing the field enough to make an impact. By adding Benjamin, Houston hopes he can continue to help the offense move once Pierce catches his breath.
Former Houston Texans player @JJWatt gave some restaurant recommendations to newly acquired running back Eno Benjamin. #WeAreTexans #Sarge @EnoB @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/fRDaaJXke5
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) November 18, 2022
“I feel like I am a guy who can run it inside, outside, and run past you as well,” the former Arizona State running back said when asked about his playing style.
Even though he is a Texas native, Benjamin was given restaurant recommendations in Houston by former Arizona teammate J.J. Watt, who spent the first ten years of his career in a Texans uniform.
“I asked if there was any advice you can give me in Houston and he gave me a lot of food options,” Benjamin explained.
When asked about some of the restaurants Watt recommended, Benjamin pulled out his cell phone and scrolled through the list of options.
“He said Kata Robata,” Benjamin told reporters. “He said that’s his No. 1. … B&B Butchers … um …El Tiempo. There is a lot, so I am definitely looking forward to trying out…Breakfast Klub, I am definitely looking forward to trying it all out.”
