Houston Texans RB Arian Foster and Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson are both expected to play in their teams' respective games on Sunday, having been bothered by injuries during the week.
Foster sat out last Sunday's loss to the New York Giants with a hamstring ailment, but according to multiple media outlets, the 28-year-old is expected to give it a go today as the Texans battle the Buffalo Bills. Foster was limited in practice throughout the week, and Houston may wait until closer to kickoff to make an official call, but all signs point to the Tennessee alum suiting up for the first time since week 2.
Johnson, meanwhile, is expected to face the New York Jets after being limited by an ankle injury in practice this week. "Megatron" remains listed as 'questionable,' but multiple media outlets indicate that he is expected to suit up today. The dynamic 28-year-old has recorded 19 catches for 329 yards and 2 scores thus far in 2014. Arian Foster is expected to play Sunday, as is Lions' WR Calvin Johnson.
Both players have difficult matchups Sunday, as Foster will face off against a Bills rush defense that ranks 5th in the league, allowing just 83 yards per game on the ground. Johnson and his Lions teammates will battle a Jets pass defense that ranks 9th in the league, and also boasts the NFL's best run defense.
If he does play as expected, Foster should be a solid bet to see a good amount of work, as he had carried the ball more than any other back in the league before sitting out last week's game. Rookie Alfred Blue, who performed well in Foster's absence last Sunday, should also see some touches in an attempt to keep the Texans' lead back fresh and lighten his workload. Johnson should see plenty of targets as the Lions will have to test the Jets' knicked up secondary in an attempt to loosen them up against the run.
It is always difficult to start a player coming off of an injury with a tough matchup to boot, but Arian Foster and Calvin Johnson have proven to be different animals throughout their careers. Owners should start them with confidence unless a better option exists.