Houston Texans: If…And…But for 2015

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) rushes during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

But

If Alfred Blue can’t shoulder the load until running back Arian Foster is healthy, it could be a tricky year for the Houston offense.

We’re still trying to figure out who exactly will be the starting quarterback with free-agent pickup Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett duking it out in training camp for the job.

Now comes the news (via Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com) that Foster could miss the start of the regular season due to a groin injury he suffered on Monday at practice. To say he would be missed is to not know the impact he had one year ago. In 13 games in 2014, Foster totaled an impressive 1,573 yards from scrimmage (1,246 rushing, 327 receiving) and scored 13 touchdowns. In 2013, he missed the final eight games and rolled up just 725 yards from scrimmage and scored twice before going down. Foster ran for 100-plus yards this past season in seven of his 13 appearances, while 12 of his 13 touchdowns came in his final 10 outings.

Thanks to the Pro Bowl runner and a solid debut season from Blue (528 rushing yards), the Texans ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing in 2014. They may have to equal or surpass that feat this upcoming year. Now let’s see how long the second-year pro must hold down the fort.

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