News Articles > Ryan Moats, not Steve Slaton, to start for Texans
Published Sat Nov 7 8:13:54 p.m. ET 2009
(FFToolbox) Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak let it be known earlier in the week that all three of the team's running backs will see playing time against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Now we know who will get the first shot. In somewhat of a surprise, Kubiak said Saturday that Ryan Moats will start, while Steve Slaton will share carries; Chris Brown will probably get some spare touches. Moats has played very well this season in a limited role, carrying 38 times for 182 yards and three touchdowns (all of which came last week against Buffalo). Slaton has 110 carries for 342 yards and two touchdowns this season, but was benched during last week's game due to another fumble. He has fumbled seven times this season; Moats has zero fumbles.

Analysis: I still think that Slaton will probably end up being the most productive Texans back against the Colts -- largely due to a number of screen plays -- but this news makes both Slaton and Moats tough players to start this weekend. Moats will start this game, but we don't know exactly what that entails. He may just play the first few series before Slaton takes over. He may play most of the game while Slaton gets just 10 touches. I would start Slaton ahead of Moats or Brown in fantasy, but it's certainly a difficult decision that will probably end up burning some owners.

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