Derrick

Ward

Ward’s fantasy potential for Week 4 could be severely limited if Brandon Jacobs (knee) suits up. Jacobs returned to practice for the first time since Week 1 on Thursday. Ward’s status for the game shouldn’t be in doubt.

Tiki Barber is carrying too big a load, and the coaching staff appears to be souring on Ron Dayne. Coughlin described Ward as having, “outstanding power” and “good size.” He could be New York’s short-yardage solution.

He didn’t return.

Ward was drafted in the seventh round this April.

Ward will miss at least a month, maybe more. Chad Morton and undrafted rookie James Sims will see increased reps.

It was his fifth metatarsal, the outside bone. Ward is out indefinitely. He was expected to be New York’s third running back.

If Foster starts in an attractive matchup against the Colts, he’s going to be tough to bench in fantasy leagues even if Derrick Ward and Ben Tate turn this into a three-man backfield. Just know that Foster comes with plenty of risk as more of a RB2 if he does play. Coach Gary Kubiak said Thursday that Foster’s workouts continue to improve, but he’s yet to practice this week.

“Everything’s still progressing,” said Kubiak, “but obviously we’re getting close to game time. We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.” Foster sat out practice again Thursday. Kukiak will have a better idea on his feature back’s status if he can return Friday or work “pretty hard Saturday morning.” If Foster does miss the opener, Derrick Ward will start at running back with Ben Tate seeing plenty of carries in obvious run situations.

“If one of them is playing well, he plays. That’s the way I believe,” Kubiak said. “If I like the way a guy’s playing and he’s not tapping his head, he’s going to stay out there for a while.” Kubiak also confirmed that Ward would start the game, giving him the first chance to establish the hot hand. Ben Tate is a more explosive, powerful runner and the better bet to be effective.

Ward’s status is getting murkier as Arian Foster’s clarifies. If he’s not at least limited in tomorrow’s practice, he’ll be very unlikely to suit up on Sunday against the Dolphins. It won’t be an issue for the Texans if Foster continues to make progress toward starting.