Houston Texans running back Arian Foster wasn't thrilled with his usage in the season opener, showing frustration on the sideline. It's possible that Foster will have to get used to watching teammate Ben Tate more, not less, in the coming weeks.
"I wish it would have come out a little more closer to even; I think I said that after the game," coach Gary Kubiak said Tuesday of the Texans' split of carries, via the team's official website. "Obviously, it was Arian's first time out this year. He didn't play any in the preseason. I think Ben's had an excellent preseason. I want to keep it somewhat close right now and watch them working to (see) what's going on."
Kubiak said he eventually expects Foster to be the lead guy. But Kubiak wants to limit Foster's workload as he works his way back into form after missing all of the preseason with a calf injury.
Tate showed more burst than Foster in Monday night's opener, averaging 6.1 yards per carry on nine carries. Foster averaged 3.1 yards per carry on 18 totes, and he was stuffed on a few short-yardage touches. Tate waived Foster off the field at one point, and television cameras caught Foster upset on the sideline afterward.
Kubiak doesn't choose his news conference words lightly. We expect Tate to remain a big part of the Texans' offense if he continues to be productive. Perhaps Kubiak also is trying to send a message to Foster: Get used to sharing the ball for a little while.
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