Dare Ogunbowale

Houston Texans
Running Back #44
Houston Texans
Running Back #44

Dare Ogunbowale News

Leads backs in finale

Ogunbowale had 11 carries for 33 yards and caught five of six targets for five yards in Sunday's 32-31 win over the Colts in Week 18.

Analysis: Ogunbowale led all running backs in yards in what was his most productive game since becoming a regular in running back rotation Week 12. Houston finished out the season with Ogunbowale, Royce Freeman and Rex Burkhead in the backfield following the season-ending ankle injury to Dameon Pierce. There's zero chance any of the three will challenge a healthy Pierce for the top spot in 2023. Of the three, only Ogunbowale has a contact for next season. Adding to the dynamic, the Texans fired head coach Lovie Smith, so there should be many changes to an underwhelming offense next year.

Jan 9, 2023 7:14 AM EST


Plays Week 17

Ogunbowale had seven carries for 21 yards and caught two of three targets for four yards in Sunday's 31-3 loss to Jacksonville in Week 17.

Analysis: Ogunbowale was on the injury report all week with a knee injury, but he was available to play 26 snaps in the loss. He and Royce Freeman (30 snaps) were co-leaders in the backfield and should be once again Week 18 against Indianapolis.

Jan 2, 2023 7:31 AM EST



Available Sunday

Ogunbowale (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game versus the Jaguars.

Analysis: The 28-year-old is dealing with a knee injury and practiced as a limited participant Thursday and Friday, but he's been cleared to take the field for Sunday's divisional contest. Ogunbowale should again work as the top backup to Royce Freeman with Dameon Pierce (ankle) lost for the season.

Jan 1, 2023 8:47 AM EST


Status in question for Week 17

Ogunbowale (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Ogunbowale showed up on the Texans' injury report Thursday as limited by a knee issue and maintained that activity level and listing to wrap up Week 17 prep. If he avoids inactive status Sunday, he'll continue to work behind Royce Freeman as the team's No. 2 running back with Dameon Pierce (ankle) out for the season, which so far has resulted in 16 carries for 42yards and no targets over the last two games.

Dec 30, 2022 1:46 PM EST


Limited by knee issue

Ogunbowale was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice with a knee injury.

Analysis: While Dameon Pierce (ankle) has been sidelined for the past two games with a season-ending injury, Ogunbowale has worked ahead of Rex Burkhead as the No. 2 option in the backfield behind Royce Freeman. Ogunbowale has logged eight carries and no targets in both of those contests, totaling a meager 42 yards on his 16 totes. The knee injury now threatens his ability to maintain the modest role he's held the past two weeks in Sunday's game against Jacksonville, though Ogunbowale can put to rest any concerns about his health by practicing in some capacity Friday.

Dec 29, 2022 1:27 PM EST



Totals 28 yards in win

Ogunbowale rushed the ball eight times for 28 yards in Saturday's 19-14 win over the Titans.

Analysis: Ogunbowale served as the change of pace back behind Royce Freeman in Houston's backfield. He wasn't able to muster much production, as his longest rush of the day went for only eight yards. Notably, Ogunbowale also wasn't targeted for the second consecutive game, a dent to his already minimal utility for fantasy purposes.

Dec 24, 2022 5:00 PM EST


Stymied on ground in OT loss

Ogunbowale rushed eight times for 14 yards and did not draw a target in the Texans' 30-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.

Analysis: Ogunbowale was outpaced by practice-squad callup Royce Freeman by three carries and 37 yards in the Texans' first game without Dameon Pierce (IR-ankle). The lack of usage in the air attack was also somewhat curious, considering both Ogunbowale's well-established track record as a receiver and Kansas City's propensity for allowing production through the air to running backs. Given the solid 4.6 yards per carry Freeman churned out Sunday, it's likely a similar pecking order holds for a Week 16 divisional road matchup against the Titans on Saturday afternoon.

Dec 18, 2022 2:43 PM EST


Set for bigger role

Ogunbowale is in line for more work Sunday against the Chiefs with Dameon Pierce (ankle) ruled out.

Analysis: Ogunbowale is one of two healthy running backs on the Texans' active roster, the other being Rex Burkhead, while Gerrid Doaks and Royce Freeman are candidates to be elevated from the practice squad. Considering their respective careers to this point, Burkhead may be the best bet for runs between the tackles, but Ogunbowale's pass-catching chops may result in a fantasy-relevant Week 15. Overall, Ogunbowale has averaged 7.7 yards on 71 catches across six seasons, supplementing a modest mark of 3.5 yards per carry.

Dec 16, 2022 1:35 PM EST


Three touches in loss

Ogunbowale had one carry for minus-3 yards and caught both of his targets for four yards in Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Cowboys in Week 14.

Analysis: Ogunbowale had 18 snaps, the most of any back not named Dameon Pierce, who left late in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. After Pierce left, the coaching staff went with Rex Burkhead (five snaps) over Ogunbowale or Eno Benjamin (eight snaps). If Pierce is unable to play next Sunday against Kansas City, Ogunbowale is in line for more playing time.

Dec 12, 2022 7:02 AM EST


Ascends to top RB backup

Ogunbowale had two carries for eight yards and caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 27-14 loss to the Browns.

Analysis: With Rex Burkhead (concussion) inactive, Ogunbowale moved up the depth chart to become the top backup for Dameon Pierce. Eno Benjamin, claimed off waivers from the Cardinals three weeks ago, made his Houston debut played just four snaps and did not receive a touch or a target. Benjamin has more of a track record than Ogunbowale, so he could eventually become the primary backup once the coaches feel he has a grasp of the offense.

Dec 5, 2022 6:32 AM EST


Scores in loss

Ogunbowale had four carries for 14 yards, caught one of two targets for six yards and had a three-yard rushing touchdown in Sunday's 30-15 loss to the Dolphins in Week 12.

Analysis: The Texans continued a trend of poor first halves, falling behind 30-0 and putting a damper on Dameon Pierce's day (five carries, eight yards). That meant more playing time for Ogunbowale and Rex Burkhead, who eventually left with a head injury. When all is going right, which is rare for Houston's offense, Pierce gets the bulk of the rushing opportunities. If Burkhead misses time, Ogunbowale or the recently claimed Eno Benjamin (inactive Sunday) would become the top backup.

Nov 27, 2022 5:56 PM EST


Targeted in loss

Ogunbowale caught is lone target for five yards and played four snaps in Sunday's 23-10 loss to Washington in Week 11.

Analysis: Ogunbowale has been given a few touches over the last several weeks, but he could return to special teams duty only once the recently claimed Eno Benjamin is ready to play.

Nov 21, 2022 7:01 AM EST


Practices in full Thursday

Ogunbowale (foot) was listed as a full participant on the Texans' injury report Thursday.

Analysis: Ogunbowale played his usual supplementary role Week 10 against the Giants, but he was surprisingly sidelined with a foot injury during practice Wednesday. While it's unclear with this issue first arose, the running back appears to have worked past this issue and should be available for Sunday's game against the Commanders. Ogunbowale had begun to see playing time behind Dameon Pierce and Rex Burkhead over the last four weeks, though he could revert back to an exclusive role on special teams after Houston claimed running back Eno Benjamin off waivers Tuesday.

Nov 17, 2022 1:33 PM EST


Dealing with injury

Ogunbowale (foot) was listed as a non-participant on the Texans' injury report Wednesday.

Analysis: Ogunbowale caught one pass while playing three of his 23 total snaps on offense against the Giants in Week 10, though he appears to have come away with a foot injury following this loss. Unless he increases his practice activity Thursday or Friday, the 28-year-old will likely be at risk of missing his first game of the season Sunday versus the Commanders. Ogunbowale recorded 43 rushes for 137 yards and a touchdown over 17 contests with Jacksonville last year, though he's primarily played on special teams over his first nine games with Houston.

Nov 16, 2022 3:18 PM EST


One target in loss

Ogunbowale caught his lone target for 13 yards and did not have a carry in Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Giants in Week 10.

Analysis: Ogunbowale played just four offensive snaps and been on the field eight times on offense over the last games. That follows a spasm of activity in the Week 7 loss to the Raiders, when he had six touches. At the time, head coach Lovie Smith indicated Ogunbowale's usage was an effort to provide a spark, and it's looking like a one-game thing. Houston has a thin backfield -- just three running backs -- so Ogunbowale is an injury away from more significant playing time.

Nov 14, 2022 3:44 PM EST


Plays three snaps

Ogunbowale played three snaps on offense and caught his lone target for no gain in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Titans.

Analysis: One week after Ogunbowale had a carry and seven targets (five catches), he received minimal opportunities Week 8. Houston head coach Lovie Smith indicated the back's usage in Week 7 was an attempt to provide a spark for the offense, so Ogunbowale's role does not appear to be on the ascent, although an offense that gained just 161 yards -- 90 on its final drive -- against an average Tennessee defense looked like it was in need of a spark.

Oct 31, 2022 5:57 AM EST


Featured in fourth quarter

Ogunbowale had one carry for eight yards and caught five of seven targets for 54 yards in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Raiders in Week 7.

Analysis: Ogunbowale, normally a special teams regular, made his biggest impact of the season on offense. The Texans featured him on their final drive -- that's when he had all of his touches and targets -- in what Houston head coach Lovie Smith described to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle as "trying to find a spark." Smith didn't insinuate that Rex Burkhead, who has been the primary pass catcher out of the backfield, was lacking in any way, but it is interesting to see Ogunbowale's cameo appearance. The 28-year-old back has been primarily a special teams ace during his time in Washington, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and now with Houston.

Oct 24, 2022 6:23 AM EST


Catches lone target

Ogunbowale caught is lone target for eight yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over New Orleans.

Analysis: Ogunbowale is on the bubble in a competition with Royce Freeman to become the fourth running back, which the Texans usually carry, but that he had zero carries while Freeman was handed 12 is not a good sign. It's not a given the team rosters four running backs; Houston may designate that spot for a fullback, particularly if there's a player at another position they'd rather retain.

Aug 14, 2022 6:42 AM EST


Joining Texans' backfield

The Texans have signed Ogunbwale to a two-year, $3.3 million deal, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Ogunbowale joins a Texans running back corps that is in transition. Once the dust settles after free agency and the draft, however, we'll have a better read on Ogunbowale's role in 2022, but either way the 27-year-old gives Houston's backfield some needed depth.

Mar 16, 2022 2:07 PM EST


Minor production on 14 touches

Ogunbowale had 11 carries for 30 yards and caught three of six targets for 25 yards during Sunday's 26-11 win over the Colts.

Analysis: Ogunbowale played 68 percent of the offensive snaps and led Jacksonville's backfield with 14 touches, though Ryquell Armstead out-produced him with 11 touches for 62 yards. Ogunbowale took on a larger role down the stretch following injuries to James Robinson (Achilles) and Carlos Hyde (concussion), and he finished 2021 with 43 carries for 137 yards and one touchdown to go along with 13 catches for 114 yards and another score. The 27-year-old will enter next season as a restricted free agent, so he could return to the Jags in a depth role should the team tender him a contract.

Jan 10, 2022 11:38 AM EST


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