The Houston Texans are looking for Brian Hoyer to step up and own the starting quarterback spot for the team. However, injuries are making that task difficult as several of his offensive stars remain in and out of practice. Heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans could be short on depth with players like Alfred Blue and Nate Washington uncertain for the game.
According to Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com, both Blue and Washington have been held out of practice and being described as day-to-day which makes their Week 6 status up in the air. Blue is now back in the backup role for running backs, but that does not mean the Texans can afford to be without him. The running back is dealing with a toe injury according to the Houston Chronicle which will increase the work load of Arian Foster if he is unable to play. Washington is dealing with hamstring problems which make him doubtful against Jacksonville. However, the Texans are getting Cecil Shorts back in action after he missed time.
The good news for Houston is Foster is back to full strength and ready for increased carries. The running back has been active the past two games, but has only carried the ball 27 times for 51 yards. He is now a full participant in practice as his strength gradually returns.
"Yeah, I knew what [the doctor] meant because it's hard to trust it," Foster said, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "You can sprint as fast as you think you want to go in practice or in training or whatever, but there's nothing like replicating a game feel. It's just about getting out there and trusting it and trusting your rehab process."
The Texans also have Shorts back at full strength. If Washington is unable to play, rookie Jaelen Strong will be put in the game as he aims to capitalize off his breakout debut that consisted of two catches and two touchdowns The Texans are hopeful that is only the beginning for the wide receiver who is supposed to help make up for the loss of Andre Johnson.
"When you go out there and get reps and start learning more and more, you become more confident," Strong said, via the team website. "The difference is just how I'm handling everything. Just being patient."
All of this should help Hoyer as he aims to solidify his spot as the starting quarterback after replacing Ryan Mallett. Head coach Bill O'Brien is hopeful that Hoyer can continue to be smart with the ball. He looked good against the Colts despite not getting the win as he replaced Mallett who started the game. Hoyer went 24 of 31 for 312 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. O'Brien believes that Hoyer can handle the job well.
"I think that Brian, when we made the change to Mallett before, I think Brian handled it really well," O'Brien said, via ESPN.com. "He practiced well, and when he got his opportunity again for the most part, he did a very good job. That's why he is the starter now."