The Houston Texans are hoping to have Arian Foster back soon, but he likely will not play in Week 3 and could return in Week 4. DeAndre Hopkins missed practice with a concussion and he could be limited and that makes Nate Washington and Alfred Blue solid fantasy starters for Ryan Mallett this week.
The Texans are coming in looking to get things going on offense and they will be matching up with the Buccaneers and that is a good chance for a win. Foster has been out since the summer with a groin issue and reports have him close to coming back. The Houston Chronicle reported last week that Foster could be back for Week 3, but head coach Bill O'Brien said to the media that he doesn't "think Arian will play his week." If Foster is out again, Alfred Blue and Chris Polk along with Jonathan Grimes will handle things at the running back positions.
The Texans are also dealing with an injury at wide receiver, as DeAndre Hopkins was held out of practice on Wednesday with a concussion. According to the Houston Chronicle, Hopkins did not participate and there was "no word" on when the concussion happened for Hopkins. If Hopkins is out this week, Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts will be the top options at receiver for starter Ryan Mallett, who took over last week for Brian Hoyer.
The Texans are fairly banged up this week heading into the game against the Buccaneers, as Foster is likely out, Hopkins could miss time and Duane Brown also did not practice. Brown is dealing with a thumb injury and that has forced the offensive line to shuffle some players to make up for his absence. The Texans felt they would have a strong offense coming into the season, but so far injuries have kept them from reaching that potential.
Foster returning any time over the next couple weeks is a positive sign, as initial reports had him out until Week 8 after having groin surgery. Foster is getting closer to coming back and while he will not play in Week 3, it's a possibility that he could be back for Week 4 or 5 this season. O'Brien said to the media that Foster looked "really good in practice" but the team likely wants to be cautious to make sure that when Foster comes back, he stays on the field for the team.
Last season Foster had a great year with 1246 yards in 13 games and he has not played a full season schedule since back in 2012. Foster coming back would be a huge boost for the team. The Texans also have Jadeveon Clowney looking to get back into the swing of things and the Houston Chronicle reports that Clowney could play more in Week 3. O'Brien said that the team has been happy with the progress that the former number one pick has made since dealing with a knee injury last season. Clowney could see more snaps in Week 3 after playing in Week 2.
