Reports of the Texans working out veteran running back Chris Evans emerged on Tuesday, but it turns out he's not the only veteran who could be reuniting with Joe Mixon in the Texans' backfield.
Another former Bengals running back, who shared the backfield with Mixon from 2019 through 2023, is coming to Houston for a workout on Thursday. And this one might be even more exciting than Evans.
Texans Working Out Trayveon Williams on Thursday
The Texans will host former Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams on Thursday, the same day they will work out Chris Evans. This is, of course, a noteworthy move at this stage of the offseason, and not just because of the links to Mixon.
Sources: #Texans working out veteran running backs Chris Evans and Trayveon Williams on Thursday @AggieFootball @CEKing_Football @KPRC2 https://t.co/7Od13n3CBJ https://t.co/GRsdtXZftN
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 29, 2025
The Texans' backfield is already very crowded behind Mixon. Dameon Pierce has made 20 starts through his first three seasons. Dare Ogunbowale has been re-signed. Houston drafted running back Woody Marks in the fourth round. Even Jawhar Jordan and J.J. Taylor are still around at the end of the bench.
Working out two veterans at this stage is definitely bad news for Jordan and Taylor, but may even forecast a lack of trust in Pierce as Mixon's backup.
Williams never really saw the field much in Cincinnati, but he was effective when he had chances. He's averaged 4.5 yards per carry for his career. He's also been a valuable special teams contributor, playing at least half of the Bengals' special teams snaps in each of the last three seasons.
It's far from a guarantee that Williams gets a contract, let alone a roster spot, but it's worth keeping a close eye on the Texans' running back room at this point.