It’s time to hit the brakes on any talk of Arian Foster returning in time for Week 2.
Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien spoke with reporters after Sunday’s opening-day loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. When he was asked if Foster could be on the field in Week 2 when the team heads to the East Coast to take on the Carolina Panthers, O’Brien shot the notion down, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien was asked Sunday if there's a chance Arian Foster plays this week against Carolina. His answer: 'I would say no'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 14, 2015
The reason O’Brien was asked the question in the first place is that Foster himself had been telling teammates he could be available in Week 2.
Even if Foster’s groin is recovering well enough for him to give it a go next Sunday, it’s wise to keep him out at least for another week. Houston’s offense isn’t the same without him, but it would be a foolish move to rush him back only to lose him for an even longer period of time should he experience another setback with his health.
Perhaps a bigger concern for the Texans is the team’s quarterback conundrum. Brian Hoyer was yanked from his starting role after flailing badly in his debut with the team, and Ryan Mallett performed well in reserve.
Of further concern for Houston was the game plan. Texans quarterbacks threw the ball 47 times against the Chiefs in Week 1 while just 21 running plays were called. Granted, Kansas City jumped out to an early lead, but the passing game wasn’t exactly working well. Meanwhile, Houston’s rushing attack was clicking when utilized, gaining 4.7 yards per attempt.
Clearly, the team’s biggest issue right now isn’t whether or not Foster will return in Week 2.