Houston Texans running back Ben Tate carried the running game on Sunday, playing a half of football and looking good with the absence of starter Arian Foster. Tate rushed 11 times for 74 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints, and looked good doing it.
Ben Tate remains entrenched as Arian Foster fantasy handcuff
Houston Texans running back Ben Tate is entrenched as Arian Foster’s fantasy handcuff. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Foster was recently taken off the physically unable to perform list after dealing with calf and back injuries, but he’s targeting Week 1 for his return, so Tate got the start. Tate was somewhat underwhelming in his previous preseason appearance, but his performance on Sunday was strong. Those 74 yards included a 39-yard run that was the key play for a 69-yard drive that ended with his 1-yard touchdown.
Fantasy Impact: Foster isn’t the top back in fantasy football, but he’s definitely up there. His injuries, at this point, see minor and if he gets enough practice reps, he should start in Week 1. However, Tate showed what he needed to show to keep the Texans convinced that he should be the primary backup to Foster, and if that’s the direction you’re going in fantasy football, he showed owners that he is a solid handcuff.
