For the second week in a row, the Texans' suggestion on Friday that RB Arian Foster would be a game-time decision has resolved itself a bit early; Foster (groin) will not play today against Cincinnati. The lesson seems to be that HC Bill O'Brien's words mean less than Foster's deeds (or lack thereof) at Friday practices: when he misses practice altogether, he does not suit up on Sunday.
Rookie Alfred Blue carried an enormous load for Foster in Week 11 (36 carries, 156 yards), and the plan could be similar today, with Ryan Mallett making just his second start and facing a defense that has been much tougher against the pass than against the run.