When Arian Foster had groin surgery this offseason, many wondered if the Texans would be able to generate the kind of running game that the team will need to keep pressure off of quarterback Brian Hoyer while Foster is out of the lineup.
The results in the preseason haven’t done much to alleviate that concern. Texans backs are averaging 2.8 yards per carry in three preseason contests and coach Bill O’Brien said Tuesday that he wants to see more consistency from Alfred Blue, Chris Polk, Kenny Hilliard and Jonathan Grimes.
“I think our running game, at times, has been decent, but it’s too inconsistent,” O’Brien said, via the Houston Chronicle. “Hopefully, you’ll see some improvement Thursday in the Dallas game. I think there have been times where we see glimpses of what it can be, but we’ve got to be a lot more consistent.”
Blue is expected to start while Foster is out of the lineup and he’s been the most effective back this month, although his average of 4.8 yards per carry speaks to O’Brien’s concern since he had a big run in the opening week before struggling the last two times out. With Foster expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the season, the Texans could opt to bring in another back to complement Blue if they continue to find the work of the others lacking.