The loss of featured back Arian Foster for at least half the regular season to a groin injury has Jonathan Grimes thrust into a primary role for the Texans. Foster will be missed, but Bill O'Brien isn't complaining.
"Grimes has had a good training camp," O'Brien told the team website. "He's strung about three good practices in a row here. He's done a good job. He's a smart player. He's one of our core special teams players. He's a guy that really knows our offense well. He plays a lot on third down, but now with Arian out, he's playing more on first and second down in certain packages. Really dependable guy."
Grimes has stepped up in the absence of Foster in the past. He has rushed for 226 yards in 60 attempts over the past two seasons with Houston.