The Houston Texans are shaking up their backfield as they head into the 2026 season, adding a fresh face with something to prove. After a standout performance during last week's minicamp, the team has officially signed running back Evan Hull, a former Northwestern standout who impressed coaches enough to earn a roster spot.

Hull, originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has since bounced around the league with stints on the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. While his NFL stat line—49 rushing yards on 12 carries and two receptions for 12 yards—may not jump off the page, his recent tryout showcased the kind of burst and versatility that made him a college star. For a Texans squad looking to bolster depth behind their primary runners, Hull's arrival could be a low-risk, high-reward move.

To make room for Hull, Houston released tight end Luke Lachey, a former seventh-round pick out of Iowa. Lachey, who spent most of the 2025 season on the Texans' practice squad, caught 28 passes for 231 yards during his final collegiate season under Kirk Ferentz. While his potential remains, the team clearly saw more immediate value in Hull's ability to contribute on the ground and in special teams.

This signing underscores the Texans' ongoing commitment to building a competitive roster from the ground up—and for fans, it's a reminder that every minicamp workout can be a game-changer. Whether Hull can turn his breakout tryout into consistent carries remains to be seen, but for now, the Texans' backfield just got a little more intriguing.