Arian Foster Injury: Fantasy Implications for Alfred Blue and Houston Texans

Houston Texans No. 1 running back Arian Foster suffered a groin injury Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, and fantasy owners are concerned about his long-term health after a history of soft-tissue injuries.

ESPN’s Tania Ganguli broke the news of Foster’s injury:

Foster has already missed time this season with a hamstring injury and also missed time last season while recovering from back issues. While he has been dominant on the field when he is healthy, the inconsistency has been frustrating for Houston.

The steady stream of injuries has been frustrating for fantasy owners as well.

In Foster’s seven games this season, he has racked up 766 yards and seven touchdowns on 146 carries and another 166 yards on 24 receptions with two receiving touchdowns. For fantasy owners, he has been absolute gold.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

The Texans have a bye during Week 10, but owners should invest a waiver-wire claim on Houston backup running back Alfred Blue. Despite struggling after taking over the lead spot against Philadelphia in Week 9 (13 yards on seven carries), Blue would likely accumulate the workload needed to be a fantasy flex play if Foster is forced to miss an extended amount of time.

In deeper leagues, third-string back Jonathan Grimes would also be worth an investment if the diagnosis of Foster’s injury is negative.

Fantasy owners and Houston fans are hoping that the bye week will give Foster a chance to recover and he won’t miss any time. The time off couldn’t have come at a better moment, and he is a must-start in every fantasy format if he returns in Week 11.

If Foster is out of action against the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 16, Blue would be a solid flex play in standard-scoring leagues.

*Stats via NFL.com.

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