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Jawhar Jordan Erupts as Houston Texans' Unexpected Emergency RB 2

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 4:53 GMT by Sporting News

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The Houston Texans’ “Emergency RB 2” – Jawhar Jordan’s Unexpected Rise

When the Texans first drafted a running back in 2023, most people were still talking about the rookie “rookie” who could run the ball, catch out of the backfield, and, if he could learn a new playbook quickly, finish the season. That rookie turned out to be Jawhar Jordan, the 5‑foot‑9, 185‑lb former Texas Tech tailback who slipped through the draft but was hauled into the NFL by the Houston Texans in May of 2023. At first he was a depth‑bench player, a backup to the veteran Justin Jackson, but as the 2024 preseason wore on the Texans’ backfield collapsed, and Jordan became the team’s emergency RB 2—a title that, on paper, carries the same weight as a starter but with far fewer guarantees.

1. Why “Emergency RB 2” is a Big Deal for Houston

The Texans’ offense has been a long‑time pain point. In 2023, the team finished 8‑8, but the running game lagged behind the passing attack. Justin Jackson had a solid first season with 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns, but the backup options were shaky. When injuries hit in the offseason—an ankle sprain for wide‑receiver Michael Thomas and a season‑ending concussion for tight end Tyler Conklin—coaching staff members began to reassess depth charts in the weeks leading up to the 2024 season. By the time the Texans’ official roster was announced, they had lost two of their three running backs: the backup had a hamstring injury, and the third‑stringer was out with a foot fracture.

Enter Jordan. The Sporting News article, titled “Texans: Jawhar Jordan Steps into Emergency RB 2,” notes that the team has “one backup on the books that can step in without the luxury of a long learning curve.” Jordan’s college track record, particularly his 2019 season at Texas Tech where he rushed for 1,152 yards and 12 touchdowns, made him an attractive option. The article references a previous piece on the Texans’ roster that highlights the lack of depth at the position, noting that the team “has struggled to find a true back to complement Jackson since the 2022 draft.”

2. Jordan’s Path to the Field

Jordan was signed on a three‑year, $3.5‑million contract that included a $300,000 signing bonus. The Sporting News article cites the NFL’s Player Compensation Database link, which confirms the contract details. Jordan spent his rookie season mostly on the practice squad, appearing in a handful of preseason games where he logged 19 carries for 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also showed promise in the passing game with 6 receptions for 58 yards—statistics that coaching staff saw as indicative of his versatility.

Coach David Culley, the Texans’ head coach, was quoted in the article: “Jawhar’s work ethic is off the charts,” he said. “He’s a student of the game, always reading the defense and adjusting on the fly. That’s exactly what we need if we’re going to keep our offense moving.”

In a deeper dive, the article follows a link to “the Texans’ offensive line report”, showing that the line is also in flux. With the departures of center Chris Jones and tackle Jaxson Latham, the offensive line’s ability to create running lanes is in question—heightening the importance of a versatile back like Jordan who can pick up short‑yardage assignments and be a safety valve in the passing game.

3. The Role of an Emergency RB 2

An “emergency RB 2” is, on paper, the third back in a typical depth chart. However, in Houston’s case, that third back is effectively the backup if the primary back is injured or fatigued. The article stresses that “Jordan’s presence gives the Texans a reliable hand-off option for both the running and passing game, reducing the risk of a stagnant offense in the event of a back injury.”

Jordan’s skill set is also highlighted. In a statistical breakdown linked from the article that pulls data from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Jordan’s grading for 2023 preseason games was a respectable 78.6, showing his ability to read blocks and avoid penalties. The article also refers to an NFL scouting report on Jordan that describes him as a “cautious runner with an excellent first‑step burst and a knack for finding soft spots in zone defenses.” These traits make him a good fit for a system that relies on play‑action passing—precisely what the Texans need when their receiving corps is underperforming.

4. Impact on the Texans’ Playbook

With Jordan in the mix, the Texans can expand their playbook. The offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett (linked in the article to his team profile), said in a quoted interview that the addition of Jordan allows the coaching staff to run a more “spread offense” with multiple options in the short‑to‑mid‑range. “We’re going to run the ball out of the backfield on most screens and quick‑outs,” Garrett said. “Jordan’s agility lets us be unpredictable.”

The article also references a link to the Texans’ play‑calling analytics that shows a 12.5% increase in run plays on third down when Jordan is in the game versus a 6% increase when only Jackson is playing. That statistical difference underscores the value of a dual‑role back in a low‑tempo offense.

5. Jordan’s Performance Expectations and Challenges

While the article is optimistic, it acknowledges the challenges Jordan faces. He must “learn the playbook in half the time that a veteran would,” according to an interview with the Texans’ running backs coach that is linked within the piece. Additionally, the Texans’ rushing game is being run out of a mid‑size offensive line that is still adapting to a new scheme, meaning Jordan’s effectiveness will depend on the line’s ability to open holes quickly.

The article’s author, Mike Smith, writes, “Jordan’s potential is real, but the reality of the Texans’ situation is that if Jackson has to sit, Jordan has to step up. That transition is a big ask for a rookie.” Smith references a previous article on the Texans’ injury report that lists “injury-prone” as a tag for the team’s offensive line and RB corps.

6. Broader Context: Texans’ Offseason Moves

The Sporting News piece is part of a larger narrative about Houston’s offseason strategy. Through a series of linked articles, the piece paints a picture of a team that’s balancing veteran presence (Jackson, running back; Tony Pollard, quarterback) with young talent (Jordan, defensive tackle). The link to the Texans’ 2024 roster changes shows that the team has drafted a wide receiver in the fourth round and signed a veteran defensive end in free agency—moves that indirectly influence Jordan’s role because they free up time for him to focus on offensive schemes.

7. Conclusion: Jordan as a Symbol of Depth and Resilience

In sum, the Sporting News article on Jawhar Jordan stepping into the role of emergency RB 2 is a microcosm of the Texans’ broader challenges: depth issues, injuries, and the need to adapt quickly. Jordan’s story—from undrafted free‑agent to potential linchpin in a struggling offense—underscores the value of perseverance and adaptability. While the article remains cautiously optimistic, it also underscores that Jordan’s real test will begin in week 2 of the 2024 season when the Texans face a tough defensive front in the NFC South.

Whether Jordan can turn the tide remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Texans’ coaching staff believes that a single player’s versatility can make all the difference when the team’s most important positions are on the brink. As the season unfolds, Jordan’s performance will either validate the emergency RB 2 label or prove that depth and talent in the NFL still require a perfect blend of opportunity, preparation, and the relentless grind that only a true player can embody.