The Houston Texans will get a first look at life without Arian Foster in the team's first preseason game. After the running back was ruled out for the foreseeable future, the Texans were reportedly eyeing several free agents to add to the roster and help replace the rusher, but so far no contracts have been handed out. Instead, backup Alfred Blue is preparing for his time to shine.
Without Foster, the Texans' run game becomes the Blue show. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are not eyeing any running backs at the moment on the free agent market despite having been linked to Ray Rice and bringing in Pierre Thomas for a workout. The Texans feel confident in Blue and are ready to give him a chance to prove himself as the top running back, a role he is ready for.
"It's a great opportunity to come in and start," Blue said, via the Chronicle. "Last year I got my feet wet a little bit, started a couple of games. So I feel real confident going into this season. Just sitting behind [Foster] and watching him play, getting the experience from a vet that's done it for years in the league. Just learning from him and him critiquing me last year and this year. So that does help a lot by sitting back and watching an older guy that did it before you rather than just jumping straight into it as a young guy."
Depending on how the first few preseason games go, Blue could be a fantasy star in the making. He will get the bulk over the carries behind any other option the Texans have on the roster. The team was preparing to rely heavily on the run game this upcoming season with uncertainty at the quarterback position. Blue will determine if that can still happen or not. As Ryan Mallett prepares to start on Saturday against the 49ers, he stressed his confidence in the running back.
"I love Alfred, even though he went to LSU," said Mallett, via the Chronicle. "He's a great player and a downhill runner, a one-cut guy. He's got to keep doing what he's doing."
The Texans could still sign someone off the free agent market. According to ESPN, a deal for Thomas was denied following the running back's contract demands. Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson are also available along with Rice. The Texans will remain hopeful that Jonathan Grimes, Kenny Hilliard and Mack Brown are enough to carry the run game with Blue. With DeAndre Hopkins, Cecil Shorts and Jaelen Strong taking care of the receiving game, the running backs will be the final piece of the puzzle. The question is do the Texans have enough talent at the spot.
