Arian Foster Hamstring Injury: Should You Sign Ben Tate and Derrick Ward?

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster did not play in his team's season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Without him, the team was still able to pull off the decisive 34-7 victory.

Part of that victory was sealed by the two backups for Foster, Ben Tate and Derrick Ward. Ward had 39 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries, while Tate impressed further with 24 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown.

Regardless of these performances, it does not mean that fantasy football GMs should rush to pick up and start Tate or Ward if they haven't already.

The successes of Ward and Tate hinge entirely on Foster's absence. Upon his return, which could easily come as early as next week, the two backs will see their snaps decrease exponentially.

Houston does not operate as a running back by committee. The running game is Foster's, with the occasional assist from Ward, Tate and sometimes, Steve Slaton. Barring a major decrease in Foster's production, or an additional injury, Foster is the only running back on the Houston offense with starting fantasy potential.

There is definitely a case to be made for picking up Ward or Tate as insurance should you have Foster, or should Foster re-injure his hamstring (which is certainly a possibility—hamstring pulls are likely to return after the first time).

But if you are looking to upgrade your starting running back position immediately and Foster takes the field next week, Tate or Ward will likely not contribute much to your team in the short term.

I recommend a wait-and-see on the backs if they are still available as a free agency or waiver wire pickups. Their performances rely solely on the health of Foster. Until that situation becomes clearer, I would hold off for now.