When he's been in the game this season, Alfred Blue has made an impact.

The third-year running back has averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2016, and in each of the last five games he's peeled off a run of 13 yards or more. Overall, his carries have been cut back a bit with the addition of Lamar Miller, but he's making the most of his time on the field.

"That's just my mindset: when my number's called, to go out there and make a play for the team," Blue said on Wednesday. "When I get in there, that's the mindset I have. To go in there and run the ball

downhill."

Over the last six games, Blue's carried the ball a combined 33 times for 187 yards, good for 5.67 yards a pop during that span. His quarterback said he knew Blue was capable of the production.

"I expect Alfred to continue to play at a very high level, and I think the production that he has isn't a surprise to anybody in this building," Brock Osweiler said. "It goes back to his work ethic and his attention to detail. Does he get the majority of the reps in practice? Usually not. But when he steps into the game, he knows exactly what he's supposed to do."

Blue rumbled nine times for 41 yards in the Texans Week 8 victory over the Lions. Miller's had the majority of carries

for the Texans this year with 153, but said Blue's performance has helped spark his play.

"We compete every day in practice," Miller said. "Once he gets his opportunity to make plays, that gives me that motivation to make plays too. It's just a friendly competition back there."

Head coach Bill O'Brien said Blue's done a "good job" in 2016 running the ball and contributing on special teams.

"When he's gotten his chances to run the football it's been good," O'Brien said. "It's been very good. We have a lot of confidence in Alfred. He's done it for us in the past."

Blue and the Texans face the Jaguars this Sunday in Jacksonville. In four career games against the Jaguars, Blue's run for a pair of touchdowns.

***Twitter.com/DoughertyDrew***