Indexbit-Texans running back steps in as emergency kicker in thrilling comeback win over Buccaneers

The IndexbitHouston Texans got a kick out of their running back's performance.

Texans RB Dare Ogunbowale stepped in as the team's emergency kicker after Ka’imi Fairbairn went down in the first half with a quadriceps injury. Ogunbowale nailed a 29-yard field goal to give Houston a 33-30 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday with 8:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The three-point lead wasn't enough for Houston. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield led Tampa Bay down the field in a 10-play, 61-yard touchdown drive to take a 37-33 lead over Houston with 40 seconds remaining.

But rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud put together an impressive game-winning drive capped by a 15-yard, go-ahead touchdown pass to receiver Tank Dell. Stroud threw 30 completions for 470 passing yards and five touchdowns, marking an NFL single-game rookie passing record.

With 6 seconds remaining in regulation, Ogunbowale was called on again to pin the Buccaneers deep on the kickoff. He booted a 50-yard kickoff to the end zone to keep Tampa Bay at the 25-yard line, too deep for a Hail Mary attempt. Instead, the Buccaneers opted for many lateral passes, but were unsuccessful.

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Houston won 39-37 to move to 4-4 on the season.