Houston Texans running back Arian Foster has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL over the past few years and the fact that he has been out for the preseason and most of the offseason should now be a worry for fantasy football owners, as there are just two more weeks of the preseason before the regular season begins.
According to ESPN.com, Foster was hoping to practice on Monday, but he has been held out after dealing with a back issue and head coach Gary Kubiak said that he will be evaluated this week. Foster and Kubiak have said that the injury is not a concern and that Foster should be ready for the regular season, but at this point it isn't looking likely. Fantasy owners are expecting major production from Foster and his injury means that Ben Tate is a must-draft handcuff to have to ensure solid production.
The Texans have some depth issues at running back with Ben Tate being the most experienced one on the roster apart from Foster and a couple years ago he put up solid stats while Foster was injured. Foster has dealt with a calf injury this offseason along with his back and he currently is on the PUP list, which if he stays on through camp, means he would miss the first six games, but it is unlikely he will remain there. Last season Foster had over 350 carries and added 1,424 yards and 15 touchdowns for his third consecutive 1,000 yards-plus season and now that could be in jeopardy.
Tate rushed for 279 yards and two scores last season and the previous year he rushed for 942 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games played while Foster dealt with some injuries. The Texans open the season against the San Diego Chargers on MNF and they would love to have Foster, but there is a chance he will miss the game and that could hurt last season's eighth ranked rushing offense at over 130 yards per game.
"I'm not there yet because I see him work," Kubiak said when asked if he was worried Foster wouldn't be available Week 1. "I see what he's going through. I am concerned about repetitions. That's just me as a coach. ... We gotta do what we gotta do. We're trying to do the smart thing here."