The Houston Texans need a spark. The team has yet to get a win on the season and with struggling play at the quarterback position, they need as many playmakers as possible. The issue is that injuries continue to rip through the roster which is making their slow start even worse. While the team remains hopeful that Arian Foster can play Week 3, the outlook is not good for DeAndre Hopkins.
The Texans are hoping Foster is back sooner rather than later after suffering a groin injury in the preseason. While head coach Bill O'Brien admitted he did not foresee Foster playing in the upcoming game, the running back stresses that he feels healthy and could step in if needed.
"I've been pretty much able to do anything," Foster said, via ESPN.com. "I don't feel like it's 100 yet, but it feels good. ... Whenever I come back I make sure I'm able to carry the load. If I'm out there, I'm out there to be of use as usual. No timetable. I'm gonna make sure that it's 100 so I'm not jeopardizing my teammates or myself."
Alfred Blue and Chris Polk are doing their best to keep the offense balanced, but it is not working out as well as the Texans were hoping. If Mallett is going to be at all successful as the starting quarterback, getting Foster would be the biggest upgrade for him and the offense. The Texans are going to be cautious with the running back. Putting him in to early and then having him get re-injured could really hurt the season's progress.
There are also injuries at the wide receiver position as DeAndre Hopkins is dealing with a concussion and has yet to be cleared to play. According to O'Brien, Hopkins has looked healthy, but if he is not cleared then he cannot play per league rules. That would be another huge hit to the offense that needs to get moving now and not later.
"I was told today that he looked pretty good," O'Brien said, via the team website. "We'll see how it is tomorrow, but again, he has to pass the concussion test in order to play. But I was told he feels and looks pretty good today."
Hopkins has been thriving through two games of the season with 151 yards and two touchdowns. Without Hopkins, Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts would be the best fantasy options right now. Rookie Jaelen Strong has yet to be a factor for the yet to be a factor for the team. According to O'Brien, the receiver must practice well if he intends to get playing time.
