Texans will continue to use Ben Tate as main back
By Mike Dyce
The Houston Texans started the season with a good problem on their hands. They had Arian Foster and Ben Tate in the back field, arguably the league’s best duo. Both Foster and Tate have been battling injuries this season, Foster’s season ended with a back injury that forced him to injured reserve.
Tate has been playing through four broken ribs. Undrafted rookie running back Dennis Johnson got an increased load against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnson had 13 carries and 74 yards. Head coach Gary Kubiak said the Texans will continue to rely on Tate against the New England Patriots.
“There were a couple of times where there really wasn’t any room for (Tate). I don’t know if he ever got in a rhythm with what he’s doing,” Kubiak said Monday at Reliant Stadium, via the Houston Chronicle. “We know what he’s battling through. He’s not practicing during the week; he’s just playing on Sundays. So I know that’s tough from that standpoint. But we definitely appreciate with some of the things going on. The young guy, D.J., was running so well. He did some good things, so we gave him some more opportunities. I think Ben will bounce back.”