Texans rookie Tyler Ervin turns in his best performance yet

Texans rookie running back Tyler Ervin had been hoping for a breakout performance after a quiet start to the preseason.

Ervin delivered on that wish Sunday in a win over the Arizona Cardinals as he bolted upfield for a 58-yard kickoff return up the right sideline.

Ervin also had a 20-yard reception out of the backfield and an 11-yard run. He finished with two kickoff returns for 78 yards.

Ervin is the Texans' new primary kickoff returner after being drafted in the fourth round out of San Jose State.

Ervin had previously mixed results through the first two preseason games.

"Tyler has a lot of speed," Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said. "Punt, kick return, he showed it out here. Get the ball and go in the middle and not just a speed guy who typically goes to the side. He's a tough kid. I'm excited to see what he's going to do for the rest of the season.

Ervin returned three punts for nine yards with one fair catch against the New Orleans Saints. He had a 14-yard kickoff return, but got tackled when he left his feet to try to hurdle a Saints tackler. He rushed for five yards on two carries.

Ervin is his school's all-time record holder for kickoff returns and touchdown returns with five total kickoffs and punts returned for scores.

"I thought it was better," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "I was happy to see that because I told the coaches that I really wanted to see him more. Here's a guy that was injured during the spring. He had a quad pull. I thought it was good to see him really go out there and do a couple things that were pretty decent."