Ogunbowale had 11 carries for 33 yards and caught five of six targets for five yards in Sunday's 32-31 win over the Colts in Week 18.
Ogunbowale led all running backs in yards in what was his most productive game since becoming a regular in the rotation Week 12. Houston finished out the season with Ogunbowale, Royce Freeman and Rex Burkhead in the backfield following the season-ending ankle injury to Dameon Pierce. There's zero chance any of the three will challenge a healthy Pierce for the top spot in 2023. Of the three, only Ogunbowale has a contact for next season. Adding to the dynamic, the Texans fired head coach Lovie Smith, so there should be many changes to an underwhelming offense come September.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Nine touches against Jags
Rotowire
Ogunbowale had seven carries for 21 yards and caught two of three targets for four yards in Sunday's 31-3 loss to Jacksonville.
Ogunbowale was on the injury report all week with a knee injury, but he was available to play 26 snaps in the loss. He and Royce Freeman (30 snaps) were co-leaders in the backfield and should be once again in Week 18 against Indianapolis.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Available Sunday
Rotowire
Ogunbowale (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game versus the Jaguars.
The 28-year-old is dealing with a knee injury and practiced as a limited participant Thursday and Friday, but he's been cleared to take the field for Sunday's divisional contest. Ogunbowale should again work as the top backup to Royce Freeman with Dameon Pierce (ankle) lost for the season.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Status in question for Week 17
Rotowire
Ogunbowale (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Jaguars.
Ogunbowale showed up on the Texans' injury report Thursday as limited by a knee issue and maintained that activity level and listing to wrap up Week 17 prep. If he avoids inactive status Sunday, he'll continue to work behind Royce Freeman as the team's No. 2 running back with Dameon Pierce (ankle) out for the season, which so far has resulted in 16 carries for 42yards and no targets over the last two games.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Limited by knee issue
Rotowire
Ogunbowale was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice with a knee injury.
While Dameon Pierce (ankle) has been sidelined for the past two games with a season-ending injury, Ogunbowale has worked ahead of Rex Burkhead as the No. 2 option in the backfield behind Royce Freeman. Ogunbowale has logged eight carries and no targets in both of those contests, totaling a meager 42 yards on his 16 totes. The knee injury now threatens his ability to maintain the modest role he's held the past two weeks in Sunday's game against Jacksonville, though Ogunbowale can put to rest any concerns about his health by practicing in some capacity Friday.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Totals 28 yards in win
Rotowire
Ogunbowale rushed the ball eight times for 28 yards in Saturday's 19-14 win over the Titans.
Ogunbowale served as the change-of-pace back behind Royce Freeman in Houston's backfield. He wasn't able to muster much production, as his longest rush of the day went for only eight yards. Notably, Ogunbowale also wasn't targeted for the second consecutive game, a dent to his already minimal utility for fantasy purposes.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Stymied on ground in OT loss
Rotowire
Ogunbowale rushed eight times for 14 yards and did not draw a target in the Texans' 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.
Ogunbowale was outpaced by practice-squad callup Royce Freeman by three carries and 37 yards in the Texans' first game without Dameon Pierce (IR-ankle). The lack of usage in the air attack was also somewhat curious, considering both Ogunbowale's well-established track record as a receiver and Kansas City's propensity for allowing production through the air to running backs. Given the solid 4.6 yards per carry Freeman churned out Sunday, it's likely a similar pecking order holds for a Week 16 divisional road matchup against the Titans on Saturday afternoon.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Set for bigger role
Rotowire
Ogunbowale is in line for more work Sunday against the Chiefs with Dameon Pierce (ankle) ruled out.
Ogunbowale is one of two healthy running backs on the Texans' active roster, the other being Rex Burkhead, while Gerrid Doaks and Royce Freeman are candidates to be elevated from the practice squad. Considering their respective careers to this point, Burkhead may be the best bet for runs between the tackles, but Ogunbowale's pass-catching chops may result in a fantasy-relevant Week 15. Overall, Ogunbowale has averaged 7.7 yards on 71 catches across six seasons, supplementing a modest mark of 3.5 yards per carry.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Three touches in loss
Rotowire
Ogunbowale had one carry for minus-3 yards and caught both of his targets for four yards in Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Cowboys.
Ogunbowale saw 18 snaps, the most of any back not named Dameon Pierce, who left late in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. After the rookie starter exited, the coaching staff went with Rex Burkhead over Ogunbowale or Eno Benjamin, but if Pierce is unable to play in Week 15 against Kansas City, all three RBs would be in line for more playing time.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Week 15 Early Waiver Targets (Add/Drop)
Rotowire
Dameon Pierce left Sunday's game with an ankle injury, which could push Ogunbowale and Rex Burkhead into a larger role in Week 15. I think I would prefer Ogunbowale, because I think he's more likely to see the obvious passing downs and the Texans tend to find themselves trailing quite a bit, as I suspect they will in Week 15 against the Chiefs. However, Burkhead could dominate the early downs work, making him a bit more of a high-floor play, at least. Neither is likely to be ranked in the top-30 at RB even if Pierce is out, but if you're desperate, they'll be available.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Ascends to top backup role
Rotowire
Ogunbowale had two carries for eight yards and caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 27-14 loss to the Browns.
With Rex Burkhead (concussion) inactive, Ogunbowale moved up the depth chart to become the top backup running back behind Dameon Pierce. Ogunbowale's been used mostly as a special teamer until the last couple weeks, while Eno Benjamin, claimed off waivers from the Cardinals three weeks ago, made his Houston debut Sunday and did not receive a touch or a target in four snaps. Benjamin has a better track record than Ogunbowale, so he could eventually become the primary backup RB once the coaches feel he has a grasp of the offense.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Scores in loss
Rotowire
Ogunbowale had four carries for 14 yards, caught one of two targets for six yards and had a three-yard rushing touchdown in Sunday's 30-15 loss to the Dolphins in Week 12.
The Texans continued a trend of poor first halves, falling behind 30-0 and putting a damper on Dameon Pierce's day (five carries, eight yards). That meant more playing time for Ogunbowale and Rex Burkhead, who eventually left with a head injury. When all is going right, which is rare for Houston's offense, Pierce gets the bulk of the rushing opportunities. If Burkhead misses time, Ogunbowale or the recently claimed Eno Benjamin (inactive Sunday) would become the top backup.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Targeted in loss
Rotowire
Ogunbowale caught his lone target for five yards and played four offensive snaps in Sunday's 23-10 loss to Washington.
Ogunbowale has seen more than one touch in a game only once all year, but even that minimal role on offense could disappear once the recently added Eno Benjamin is up to speed on Houston's scheme.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Practices in full Thursday
Rotowire
Ogunbowale (foot) was listed as a full participant on the Texans' injury report Thursday.
Ogunbowale played his usual supplementary role Week 10 against the Giants, but he was surprisingly sidelined with a foot injury during practice Wednesday. While it's unclear with this issue first arose, the running back appears to have worked past it and should be available for Sunday's game against the Commanders. Ogunbowale had begun to see playing time behind Dameon Pierce and Rex Burkhead over the last four weeks, though he could revert back to an exclusive role on special teams after Houston claimed running back Eno Benjamin off waivers Tuesday.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Dealing with injury
Rotowire
Ogunbowale (foot) was listed as a non-participant on the Texans' injury report Wednesday.
Ogunbowale caught one pass while playing three of his 23 total snaps on offense against the Giants in Week 10, though he appears to have come away with a foot injury following this loss. Unless he increases his practice activity Thursday or Friday, the 28-year-old will likely be at risk of missing his first game of the season Sunday versus the Commanders. Ogunbowale recorded 43 rushes for 137 yards and a touchdown over 17 contests with Jacksonville last year, though he's primarily played on special teams over his first nine games with Houston.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: One target in loss
Rotowire
Ogunbowale caught his lone target for 13 yards and did not have a carry in Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Giants in Week 10.
Ogunbowale has played just six offensive snaps over the three last games. That followed a spasm of activity in the Week 7 loss to the Raiders, when he had six touches. At the time, head coach Lovie Smith indicated Ogunbowale's usage was an effort to provide a spark, and it's looking like a one-game thing. Houston has a thin backfield -- just three running backs -- so Ogunbowale is an injury away from more significant playing time.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Plays three snaps
Rotowire
Ogunbowale played three snaps on offense and caught his lone target for no gain in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Titans.
One week after Ogunbowale had a carry and five catches on seven targets, he received minimal opportunities in Week 8. Houston head coach Lovie Smith indicated the back's usage last week was an attempt to provide a spark for the offense, so Ogunbowale's role does not appear to be on the ascent -- although an offense that gained just 161 yards against an average Tennessee defense looked like it was in need of a jolt.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Featured in fourth quarter
Rotowire
Ogunbowale had one carry for eight yards and caught five of seven targets for 54 yards in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Raiders in Week 7.
Ogunbowale made his biggest impact of the season on offense. The Texans featured him on their final drive -- that's when he had all of his touches and targets -- in a move Houston head coach Lovie Smith described to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle as "trying to find a spark." Smith didn't insinuate that Rex Burkhead, who has been the primary pass catcher out of the backfield, was lacking in any way, but it is interesting to note Ogunbowale's increased role nonetheless. The 28-year-old back has been primarily a special teams ace during his time in Washington, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and now with Houston.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Catches lone target
Rotowire
Ogunbowale was not given a carry and caught his lone target for eight yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over New Orleans.
Ogunbowale is on the bubble in a competition with Royce Freeman to become the fourth running back, which the Texans usually carry. He had three snaps on offense during the first two series, while Freeman was handed the rock 12 times in 36 snaps. Ogunbowale also was seen returning kicks in pregame warmups, per Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle, but he didn't get a chance to return during the game. It's not a given the team rosters four running backs. Houston may designate that spot for a fullback, particularly if there's a player at another position they'd rather retain.
... See More... See Less
Texans' Dare Ogunbowale: Joins Houston backfield
Rotowire
Ogunbwale agreed Wednesday with the Texans on a two-year, $3.3 million deal, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Ogunbowale joins a Texans running-back corps in transition. Once the dust settles after free agency and the draft, however, a better read on Ogunbowale's role in 2022 should become available. In all likelihood, the 27-year-old will enter the upcoming season no higher than second on the depth chart, as he's been relegated to a depth role throughout his career and hasn't been especially productive with his limited opportunities.
