The Houston Texans’ bye week couldn’t be coming at a better time.
Houston has lost five straight games. Brian Cushing was lost for the season to a broken leg and torn knee ligament and Arian Foster left Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury.
Backup running back Ben Tate is dealing with a pretty serious injury of his own.
According to Kristie Rieken of the Associated Press, Tate said he has four broken ribs after going down in the third quarter. Tate played through the remainder of the game and carried 15 times for 50 yards for the Texans.
Tate says he plans on playing after the bye when the Texans host the Indianapolis Colts in what could be a last-ditch effort to salvage their season. If Foster’s hamstring isn’t ready to go in time, Tate will need to step into the starting role for the Texans.
If neither can play, then the starting running back for Houston in that game likely isn’t on the roster after the team released Cierre Wood on Monday. Rookie Ray Graham could be elevated from the practice squad to fill the duties.