With uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Houston Texans are aiming to lean heavily on their star playmakers. DeAndre Hopkins and Nate Washington proved to be a big part of that plan, but the run game left a little to be desired. The Houston Texans have been patiently waiting for the return of Arian Foster following a groin injury at the start of the preseason. As the running back makes his practice debut, when will he be on the field?
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Foster returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since August. The running back is going to be introduced slowly back onto the field as head coach Bill O'Brien stresses the team wants to be cautious with the veteran's healthy going forward. Foster is not expected to play in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, but could be back after that. Foster says that he is staying updated with the playbook and that his recovery is going much better than expected.
"We've made a lot of progress in the rehab of my injury, and we're excited about that," Foster said, via the Houston Chronicle. "I'm not happy because I would rather be out there with my teammates, but life happens and you got to roll with it. As far as being where I'm at, at this point, we’re ahead of schedule and the doctors are pleased with it and so are the trainers."
With Foster out at least another week, Alfred Blue will continue to be the workhorse running back for the team. Alongside Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk, the Texans are aiming for an equal split from the rushing attack, but it needs to be better than the combined 98 yards they produced against Kansas City. Foster will be a huge upgrade once he returns as Blue will then take a backseat to the veteran.
The run game will be critical with Ryan Mallett under center. The quarterback has been named the starter over Brian Hoyer and fantasy experts are warning owners from starting players like Hopkins or Washington. Mallett looked strong in the garbage time he got in place of the benched Hoyer in the fourth quarter of Week 1. It is unclear if the game plan will change at all with him under center. Mallett showed off a good arm in the preseason, but it is wise to be cautious with this.