Running backs Arian Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew are both unlikely to play for their respective teams Sunday due to injury, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Per Rapsheet, Foster is considered a "long shot" to suit up for the Houston Texans' visit to the New York Giants this afternoon, while the Oakland Raiders are not expecting Jones-Drew to be available for their matchup against the New England Patriots.
Foster, 28, has been dealing with a hamstring issue this week, which limited his workload in practice during the week. Foster has a history of hamstring problems, and has already toted the rock a league-high 55 times through just two games. The Houston Chronicle's John McClain tweeted Sunday morning that he, too, does not expect Foster to be available.
Jones-Drew, meanwhile, looks set to miss his second consecutive game, having undergone a procedure on his hand last week. The veteran compiled just 11 yards on 9 carries in his debut with the Raiders in week 1, and while he returned to practice on a limited basis this week, it appears the team is prepared to hold him out at least one more game. Arian Foster looks set to miss Sunday's game against the Giants with a hamstring problem.
Arian Foster owners may want to take a glance at the waiver wire in case a viable alternative is not already rostered. Rookie Alfred Blue seems likely to absorb the brunt of the workload, while Jonathan Grimes and Ronnie Brown will also feature. The Giants will be without the services of MLB Jon Beason, who reaggravated a preseason foot injury in last week's home loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Blue, a 2014 6th-round draft pick of the Texans out of LSU, could be a sneaky fantasy play for week 3 in Foster's stead. At 6-2, 223, the 23-year-old possesses a nice skill set with speed, agility and an underrated ability to contribute in the passing game. With Houston employing a high-volume rushing attack, Blue should see plenty of opportunities on the ground Sunday in New York. He rushed for 40 yards on 11 carries against Oakland last week.
Maurice Jones-Drew's absence will once again open the door for both Darren McFadden and Latavius Murray to see an uptick in their roles. The Raiders are likely to test New England on the ground early and often in an attempt to take some of the pressure off of rookie signal-caller Derek Carr. The Patriots are allowing over 122 yards per game on the ground. McFadden should start, while Murray serves as the change-of-pace runner.
Check back later this morning with Fantasy Knuckleheads for any further breaking news and updates in regards to injuries across the NFL.