Darius

Walker

It’s probably not a full-time consideration, but a way for Taylor to increase his odds of landing a roster spot. He’s currently battling Samkon Gado, undrafted rookie Darius Walker, Ron Dayne, and Wali Lundy behind Ahman Green.

Walker never really had a chance to make Houston’s roster behind several other backs. We fully expect he’ll catch on in someone else’s training camp.

Lundy is contending for the third-string gig with Samkon Gado and undrafted rookie Darius Walker behind starter Ahman Green and goal-line back Ron Dayne. He could help on third downs if he secures a roster spot.

Wali Lundy wasn’t eligible. Zabransky will not open the year active, but is in essence Houston’s third quarterback. Frye was a fifth-round pick.

Besides Matt Schaub (out, shoulder), Dayne was the only other Texan not available for Thursday’s workout. He also did not practice Wednesday. The “questionable” tag means Dayne is considered “50-50" to face Denver, but the Texans will likely consider it a bonus if he’s able to play. Dayne seems likely to see a limited workload even if he’s active, but if he is, Darius Walker should not be in fantasy lineups. This is a situation to avoid if possible.

Ron Dayne (ankle) couldn’t take part in Monday’s walkthrough and seems unlikely to be ready on a short week. Walker is likely to start against the Broncos and lose some early-down work to Echemandu, but get all the opportunities in pass-catching situations. Walker would be a solid flex play in points-per-reception leagues, but it’s uncertain who’d get goal-line carries.

Dayne still hopes to play on Thursday, but the Texans have already said they’re planning on him missing the game. We’ll know his official status after practice tomorrow, but all signs point to Darius Walker starting in his place.

He was shut out in the passing game but looked very good running the ball. The Texans figure to bring in running back help in the off-season, but Walker may have shown enough to stay involved as a change of pace back.

Ron Dayne and Adimchinobe Echemandu are Houston’s only two active running backs, but Dayne’s matchup is difficult against the Titans’ fifth-ranked run defense which gets DT Albert Haynesworth back from a hamstring injury.

With Ron Dayne active, any upside Walker would have as a fantasy play is limited because Dayne is such an effective short-yardage back. Desperate owners could consider using Walker as a flex in points-per-reception leagues.