The Houston Texans are hoping to have Arian Foster return to start in Week 4 and he will be a game time decision for the game against the Atlanta Falcons. Alfred Blue would be the start option for fantasy football owners if Foster can't go, while DeAndre Hopkins is the best pick for quarterback Ryan Mallett this week.
The Texans are looking for Foster to get back onto the field after dealing with a groin injury in camp this summer and his return could come as soon as Sunday. According to NFL.com, head coach Bill O'Brien said that while Foster "looked good" in practice, the team will make a decision "the night before" of just ahead of the game on Sunday. Foster has not played yet this season and the team has used Alfred Blue as well as Chris Polk and Jonathan Grimes.
The Texans came into the season hoping to rely on Foster as their lead back and he has not yet been able to contribute in 2015. Initial reports about Foster's surgery put the timetable in November, but the Houston Chronicle later reported that the team hoped he could be back by early October. That timetable looks correct and if he misses out this week, next week could be another option for his return, as the team plays on Thursday night.
The Texans may actually want to hold Foster out, as they may not want to play him twice in such a short span if he goes on Sunday. Foster has had injury issues in the past and the team does not want him to have a setback once he is able to return. The Texans feel they have a chance to make the playoffs with a weak division and improved quarterback play from last season.
Brian Hoyer opened the season as the starter, but Ryan Mallett is now under center and he comes into the weekend banged up as well. According to HoustonTexans.com, Mallett was limited in practice on Thursday, but O'Brien said that he is "doing fine" and did not express worry about him missing Week 4 against the Falcons. The Falcons are 3-0 this season and the Texans come in at 1-2 and the team is looking to pull the upset against the undefeated team.
Foster was reportedly able to participate in practice on Thursday on a limited basis and the team will make a decision ahead of the game on Sunday. Foster likely will be limited in the game if he plays and fantasy owners should consider waiting another week to start him even if he plays. Alfred Blue is coming off of his best game of the season and that could help with easing Foster back in. Hopkins has been playing well and he is a great start option for fantasy owners against the Falcons secondary.
Blue comes in after rushing for 139 yards last week and he now has 187 yards on the season with one touchdown. The Texans are hoping that when Foster comes back he stays on the field and doesn't deal with any more injuries.
