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How former Wisconsin running back Dare Ogunbowale performed in NFL preseason opener
#Texans starting offenseQB Davis MillsLT Aireontae ErseryLG Juice ScruggsC Jake AndrewsRG Ed IngramRT Blake FisherTE Cade StoverWR Jayden HigginsWR Xavier HutchinsonRB Dare OgunbowaleFB Jakob Johnson
Former Wisconsin running back Dare Ogunbowale captained the Houston Texans' backfield in the team's preseason opener vs. the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
Despite falling 20-10, the former Badger emerged as one of Houston's few bright spots on the offensive end of the field. Ogunbowale took five carries for 29 yards on the day, leading Houston's second unit.
Quarterback Graham Mertz, another former Badger, also suited up in the Texans' preseason opener at U.S. Bank Stadium. During the final five drives, Mertz completed seven of 14 pass attempts for 28 passing yards and three interceptions.
Ogunbowale's preseason performance marks his first stint on the gridiron since he signed a one-year extension with the Texans in March. The 31-year-old will earn $2 million in 2025 -- his ninth NFL campaign and fourth with Houston.
Ogunbowale appeared in all 17 games for Houston this past season either as a primary special-teams contributor or in the backfield behind star back Joe Mixon. He finished the '24 slate with 30 carries for 112 rushing yards, in addition to 19 receptions for 198 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
Since 2017, Ogunbowale has posted 66 carries for 569 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Through the air, the dual-threat running back has reeled in 9 receptions, 774 receiving yards and two receiving scores. Outside of Houston, the Milwaukee native spent time with the Washington Commanders (2017), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-19) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2020-21).
While his offensive outlook remains limited behind Mixon -- a workhorse back who logged over 1,000 yards and a Pro Bowl appearance this past season -- Ogunbowale has morphed into a useful threat through the air on later downs. He will look to carve out an even bigger role when Houston begins its regular season with a contest against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 7.
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