Lamar Miller has rushed for 4,003 yards in his career, but on Saturday he'll suit up for his first career playoff game when the Texans host the Oakland Raiders.
"I was speaking to my parents the other day," Miller said Tuesday. "This is my first playoff game in five years. They're more excited than me, but I just feel like it's a regular game. But this game - it counts. It's either you win or you go home, so you know I'm pretty excited. This is my first playoff game, so I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Miller, inactive for the final two games of the regular season with an ankle injury, returned to practice this week. The Texans starting running back admits it was hard to sit out, but knew the bigger picture was to be prepared and ready for the postseason.
"I think it helped me out a lot," Miller said. "I feel fresh right now. I've been getting a lot of treatment, you know doing some conditioning and just trying to stay in shape, so I feel good."
In the Texans Week 11 matchup against the Raiders, Miller rushed for 104 yards on 24 carries and scored on a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
The Texans AFC Wild Card game against the Oakland Raiders will be Miller's first career postseason appearance. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 3:35 p.m. CT on ESPN/ABC and SportsRadio 610.
The Texans faced the Raiders on Monday Night Football in Mexico City.
Houston Texans running back Akeem Hunt reaches with the ball but does not get the first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Oakland Raiders fans take pictures in front of Azteca Stadium before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Referees measure as the Houston Texans fall short of getting a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller is lifted by teammate guard Xavier Su'a-Filo after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Performers spell out "NFL" during a halftime presentation of an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller, right, scores a touchdown over Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
A green light hits the jersey of Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler as he runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Fans arrive at Azteca Stadium before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz makes a catch over Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) and teammate cornerback Sean Smith (21) react during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
Fireworks explode during the playing of the Mexican national anthem before an NFL football game between the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
