HOUSTON — Chargers running back Amar Johnson made a clear statement last week in Houston without speaking a word. Overeall, Johnson, doesn’t have a ton of NFL experience, but he knows to make every moment count. “You don’t get the most opportunities at practice, so you’ve got to maximize the opportunities that you do get,” said Johnson, who had two touchdowns and a successful conversion run Thursday in a 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans in a preseason opener. Johnson had a seven-yard touchdown run in the first half, then turned a short reception into a 55-yard gain in the second. He was tackled a yard short of the end zone. He smiled when asked about that, knowing he likely was going to take a ribbing from teammates. “I had to punch it in one more time,” he said. And he did, scoring from the one on the following play. Johnson, who went undrafted out of South Dakota State last year, initially signed with Green Bay before joining the Chargers at the start of the season. He spent most of the fall on the practice squad but was activated for two games in November and had two carries for eight yards. Getting the ground game going is a staple of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Chargers haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Melvin Gordon in 2017. Starting running back Omarion Hampton and most of the starters watched from the sideline for the Chargers, who got a constant reminder last year of how important it is to have depth. Injuries turned the position into a revolving door last fall. Getting the ground game going is a staple of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Chargers haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Melvin Gordon in 2017. The Chargers are clearly deep at the RB position starting the 2026 campaign. Look forward to seeing Johnson progress as the Chargers obviously have a great young running back, just wiating to shine. Running backs Jaret Patterson and Greg Desrosiers Jr. also turned in solid performances for the Chargers.

.@jaimemaggio ➡️ "Are you aware you made three defenders miss?"

Amar Johnson ➡️ "Not really…." 🤣

He scored two TD's against the Texans, and is still catching his breath after the game!#BoltUp | @CBSLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/2Aw2Z39krv

— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) August 14, 2026