Houston Texans running backs Ben Tate (shoulder) and Arian Foster (thumb) both participated fully in practice this week in preparation for the team's Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Through three weeks so far this season, Tate is averaging an outstanding 6.8 yards per carry on the ground and also has eight receptions for 22 yards. On the other hand, Foster has 190 yards and a touchdown on 49 carries to go with eight receptions for 37 yards
Arian Foster and Ben Tate practicing, both playing for fantasy owners
Neither Texans running back missed a practice in Week 4 despite nagging injuries. We discuss the fantasy implications.
Larry French
Fantasy impact: As much as head coach Gary Kubiak stressed that he would love to see Tate and Foster share carries fairly evenly, it seems as if he’s saying one thing and doing another.
At this point in the season, Foster has 49 carries compared to Tate’s 27. Not even two weeks into the season, Foster complained publicly that he wasn’t getting the ball enough, and it looks like his argument got through to the coach.
For what it’s worth, Tate has done everything he can do to show that he deserves more of an opportunity and has played outstanding when given the ball, even though he has yet to score a touchdown this season.
Fantasy owners can’t necessarily depend on Tate as their starting running back week to week, if only because he’s not getting enough touches. But given that Foster struggled with injuries in the preseason, Tate is worth keeping on your roster in deep leagues. Only start him against Seattle if you’re really thin at the running back position.
• Week 4 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
