While the Houston Texans continue to have their quarterback situation take the spotlight, the team has a real issue with their running backs that is quietly hurting the team. Both Arian Foster and Ben Tate have been struggling with a slew of injuries. As Case Keenum prepares for another start, he needs a running back to step up. This week it appears to be Tate.
Foster is uncertain for the team's Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals. After struggling through a hamstring injury, Foster is now going to see a specialist about his back. The running back suffered the injury on Sunday after sitting out all week with his hamstring problem. There is a good chance that he will either not be active against Arizona or will be heavily limited in the game.
The injury is just another one on a long list for Foster. He started the season on the physically unable to perform list as he barely participated in training camp. Now these recent setbacks leave the Texans extremely shorthanded. Fantasy owners beware because Tate could be the starter in Week 10 and get the heavy workload.
Interim head coach Wade Phillips is confident that Tate can play through his recent broken rib issue. The coach referred to the backup as a "tough sonuvagun" for constantly stepping in despite his injuries, understanding the team needs him. Tate filled in for Foster against the Colts and carried the ball 22 times for 81 yards, a season-high performance.
With the injuries to both Tate and Foster, rookie Dennis Johnson is getting plenty of extra carries. The undrafted running back struggled in the preseason and was cut at one point. However, the team brought him back after injuries and discipline issues hit the position group.
"He's a tough kid and he'll do everything that we need him to do," offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said of Johnson, via the Houston Chronicle.
Tate plans on giving the Texans everything he has despite the broken ribs injury. He understands that Foster's issues put Houston in a hole in Week 10. The Texans have struggled heavily during the year and are in the midst of a deep losing streak plaguing the season.
"I'm just going through grinding trying to do the best to my ability," Tate said. "Just keep going to help this team, like I said, finally get a W out there after six straight losses."
Tate stresses that his ribs are getting much better and he will not be limited on Sunday. If Tate is available, he is top waiver wire option in Week 10.
