Aug 3, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) talks to running back Ben Tate (44) during training camp at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
In what may have dramatic implications for both real and fantasy-based NFL teams, Arian Foster and Brooks Reed have both been announced as game-time decisions for the Houston Texans by head coach Gary Kubiak.
Arian Foster’s absence would be by far the most impacting. As a top-5 leading rusher in the league last year, he rushed for 1224 yards. He also had the second-highest rushing average per game with 94.2. However, Ben Tate is no slouch of a running back himself, putting up rushing totals of 942 yards for a YPC of 5.4, which is actually a whole yard per carry higher than Foster’s average of 4.4. Unfortunately, Ben Tate is not a full-time running back at this stage in his career, and despite statistics that may indicate otherwise, not being able to share the load with Foster will limit his effectiveness. Fantasy owners, take note.
Brooks Reed was relatively unknown as a second round pick heading into last season’s draft. However, the Texans proved shrewd in their assessment as Reed took over for an injured Mario Williams to great success at the linebacker position (he was a large part of the franchise’s willingness to part with Mario Williams). Thankfully, should he be out for the game, the team plans to use shiny new first-round selection Whitney Mercilus to fill in at the position, which should please Texans fans eager to see what they have in the young man. Expect Reed’s absence to affect the team less than Foster’s, should it come to that.
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