The Houston Texans are hoping to get Arian Foster back for Week 3 of the season, as the running back has been able to practice and could be back soon. Ryan Mallett started for the team on Sunday over Brian Hoyer in Week 2 and the best fantasy options moving forward until Foster is back include Alfred Blue, DeAndre Hopkins, Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts.
UPDATE: Bill O'Brien said Foster likely will be out for Week 3. Week 4 is more likely for Foster to come back. Hopkins missed practice with a concussion on Wednesday.
The Texans lost 24-17 on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers and now the team is 0-2 to start the season for Bill O'Brien. Ryan Mallett got the start after Brian Hoyer opened the season as the starter and overall he did not have an efficient game. O'Brien may stick with Mallett for the time being, but he completed just 27-of-58 passes in the game with one touchdown and an interception. Mallett had some bright moments, but overall the Panthers dominated the Texans on Sunday despite the score.
Mallett was just 11-of-29 in the first half and the Texans really went away from the run game with the way things developed. The team is hoping to get Arian Foster back soon and based on the way things went in the game Sunday, the Texans sure need him back in the fold. Mallett has played in two games this season and has two touchdowns and one pick and moving forward O'Brien could consider a change again if the team does not start winning.
The Texans are hoping that Arian Foster can return for Week 3 of the season and Aaron Wilson at the Houston Chronicle reports that Foster has been able to practice with the team. Foster practiced on Friday and with another week coming ahead of the Buccaneers matchup, if Foster shows enough progress, he could be in line to play. Alfred Blue and his fantasy value will fall once Foster comes back, while DeAndre Hopkins, Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts remain the best WR options for the Texans.
Check here for more on the Houston Texans, Mallett and Foster returning.
The Texans have been dealing with some injuries this season already and the offensive line has continued to get banged up. Duane Brown was out this week with a hand injury and according to the Houston Chronicle, there is "no time frame" for his return. Brown said to the paper that he wants to be back as "soon as possible" and that he is "not sure yet" about the game next week against the Buccaneers. Brown is dealing with a right thumb injury and that is why he was out for the Texans.
The Texans also lost right tackle Jeff Adams in the game and that forced him to get carted off the field. According to Pro Football Talk, Adams needed an air cast on his right leg before being brought into the locker room. The team had to move some players over on the line and this week the team could look at making some moves to help solidify things in front of Mallett. Brown hopes to be back soon.