The Houston Texans claimed running back Eno Benjamin and receiver Amari Rodgers off waivers in late November, and hopes were high that they would be able to make a difference in the team’s offense with some time to adjust to Pep Hamilton’s system. After weeks spent on the Texans’ inactive list on Sundays, reporters were ready for answers from Hamilton on Thursday regarding their status and whether they might see the field before the season ends.

The offensive coordinator gave both players credit for their effort in getting acclimated to his system but made a point to be noncommittal about playing time in his response.

“Both guys have worked tirelessly to learn our offense and get on the same page with our quarterbacks,” Hamilton explained. “You guys understand how important it is that the quarterback can trust that the receiver is going to get to a spot and vice versa, the receivers can trust that the quarterback can make the appropriate throws. The more time our guys spend together, the more time on task they have, the better chances we have to go out and play efficient football. Those two guys have been working hard in practice.”

Hamilton’s assertion that it takes time to build chemistry is certainly valid, though fans and reporters are justified in wondering why the team would claim Benjamin and Rodgers if they have no intention of getting them onto the field. Houston is in dire need of new blood at both the running back and receiver positions after seeing their offense stagnate in recent weeks, and especially since newly minted starting quarterback Kyle Allen has struggled in his first action of the season.

The Texans’ coaching staff is certainly entitled to utilize the talent at their disposal however they choose, but with time running out in a failed 2022 campaign, it seems that the time is now for them to see what they’ve got in the valuable prospects.