It’s no secret the Texans struggled to establish a reliable running game in 2009.

Over the course of the regular season, Houston had four running backs that topped 50 carries for the year. However, none of them (Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats, Chris Brown and Arian Foster) were able to rush for more than 437 yards on the season.

Those four backs combined for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging just 3.7 yards per carry in the process.

To put that in perspective, five NFL running backs outrushed the Houston backfield by themselves (Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson, Thomas Jones, MJD, Adrian Peterson) in 2009, while four running backs scored more touchdowns (Peterson, MJD, Johnson, Jones).

And don’t forget about the case of fumble-itis that hit the Houston locker room this season. The Texans finished 2009 with 11 fumbles, which tied for sixth in the NFL.

Obviously, something needs to change.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle wrote today that the running back position is a high priority for the Texans this offseason. However, according to McClain, Houston won’t be making a move for Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson because he’s “on his last legs.”

So who does that leave? Here’s a breakdown of the unrestricted and restricted free agent running backs set to hit the market.

Don’t forget: If you don’t like any of these guys, the Texans could always draft a running back with their first-round draft choice (either pick No. 19 or 20-depending on coin flip with Atlanta).

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