For a big chunk of the off season we talked about the running backs as a group that had a lot of depth and experience. The 'big 3' of David Johnson, Mark Ingram II and Phillip Lindsay would be complemented by Dontrell Hilliard, Scottie Phillips and Special Teams standout Buddy Howell. Then, in June, Rex Burkhead joined the party as a late invite.

Burkhead injured a knee while playing for New England against the Texans last season. He got here in time for some OTA work but wasn't a full-go yet. "During OTAs it was more about getting my knee right physically and into a position where I could where I could possibly be ready for training camp." Burkhead told me on Texans Radio.

Having played with the Patriots for four years, he has some familiarity with the offensive system. "There are some similarities but differences as well. I'm just trying to learn those every single day, not make the same mistake twice and keep moving forward."

He played his college ball at Nebraska and in the NFL with the Bengals and the Patriots, so this is the first time Burkhead has sampled Texas training camp football heat since his high school days in Plano. "It's different, you have to get used to it a bit. Up in Dallas you have the heat but not as much humidity as you do down here so just take care of your body, make sure you're hydrated and ready to go every day."

Burkhead rushed for three TDs for New England last season with 274 yards on 67 carries, averaging 4.1 yard per carry which also is his career average. He also caught 25 passes, including three touchdowns.

The Houston backfield is crowded but the group gets along well. Burkhead noted that everyone has been helpful getting him up to speed on what needs to be done "…any questions I've had they've been right there to answer them. The room is great."