Arian Foster Injury: When Texans RB Returns, What Is Ben Tate's Fantasy Value?

Running back Ben Tate had a great opening performance on Sunday for the Houston Texans. In a 34-7 blowout of the Indianapolis Colts, Tate finished the day with 116 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He proved to be an adequate fill-in for the injured Arian Foster.

Thanks to Tate and Derrick Ward proving they can temporarily carry the load at running back, the Texans might consider taking their time bringing Foster back from his injured hamstring. The NFL's leading rusher from 2010 was inactive against the Colts, and coach Gary Kubiak has not said whether he plans to play Foster in Week 2.

For fantasy owners, Tate remains a solid option as a handcuff for Foster. As long as the starter is out, Tate will get carries in his place, but as soon as Foster returns, Tate's action is likely to be limited. When Foster comes back, Tate really won't have much fantasy value, but after his opening week performance, you have to believe the Texans can be much more careful in bringing Foster back.

Tate is an explosive back; he has the chance to be a big play threat as well as a guy who can just get a solid four to five yards a carry. His 116-yard performance this week in Foster's absence was an eye-opener simply because it was his first regular season NFL game. Tate broke his ankle during the Texans' first preseason game last year and missed the entire season.

The Texans knew they were getting a good back when they took Tate with their second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft (No. 58 overall). The Auburn product was expected to contribute last season and might have even been in line to start. But thanks to Tate's injury, Foster was able to step in and get full-time carries and we all know how that turned out.

While Tate is now finally getting his chance to shine, don't expect it to last all season. As soon as Foster is back, Tate's production will slide. There will not be a running back controversy in Houston.