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Texans expect WR Andre Johnson to play versus Cowboys; RB Arian Foster probable
Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is listed as questionable on the injury report and is considered a game-time decision due to an ankle injury. Head coach Bill O'Brien will have a say in that decision, and he said Saturday he expects Johnson to suit up against the Cowboys, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.Via Werder, O'Brien thinks Johnson will be active "unless something unexpected develops between (Saturday afternoon) and kickoff." Johnson missed most of the fourth quarter in Houston's win last week over the Bills with the ailment. He went through limited practice on Thursday but was held out Friday.In slightly more positive injury news for the Texans' offense, running back Arian Foster has been upgraded to probable. He entered Week 4 as questionable with his enduring hamstring injury. He played against Buffalo but was admittedly operating at less than full strength. He gained a mere 6 yards on eight carries. He did, however, catch seven passes for 55 yards.
A deep thought here about both players and their official statuses:The Texans open Week 6 in five days against the Colts. O'Brien and his staff must be aware of that when assessing Johnson's and Foster's availability for today. If either of them were to play against the Cowboys and experience any kind of setback or reaggravation, there is no way anyone -- inside or outside of that organization -- can realistically expect them to be ready to go a few days later. The drawn-out paces at which they seem to heal from these nagging injuries tell us that much. So if either player is declared active today, you have to assume that not only are they healthy enough to at least give it a go, the Texans' coaches must feel like they do not carry a serious risk of reinjury, understanding the future impact of such an event.I think the fact that Foster is listed as probable is surprising and encouraging. The coaches must have faith that he is noticeably healthier this week than last -- he did come away from that Bills game without making his hamstring any worse. Under that assumption, I feel pretty comfortable starting Foster as an RB2 against a Cowboys run defense that's not exactly The Steel Curtain.Would I start Johnson as a WR2? That's a dicier proposition. Friday's "DNP" makes it clear that he isn't anywhere close to 100 percent, and he wasn't putting up must-start numbers while he was running on two good ankles. He had at least six receptions in three of four games, but he hasn't topped 75 yards since Week 1 or come close to visiting the end zone. He's serviceable for those in PPRs, but he's more of a WR3 in standard leagues. DeAndre Hopkins has apparently taken over as Houston's top wideout, at least in terms of production. Johnson is a high-risk, low-ceiling option for Week 5. I would likely bench him even if he is given the green light 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
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