:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/25374955/20131202_kkt_at5_715.0.jpg)
Thanks to The Twitter and Interim Head Coach Wade Phillips' latest press conference, we now know that running back Ben Tate has injured another rib and has found himself on injured reserve. This means that Dennis Johnson will start versus the Denver Broncos with Deji Karim and Jonathan Grimes as his backups.
Hate to end my season like this but it just wouldn't be smart for me to keep playing after re-injuring 1 of my ribs that's trying to heal
— Ben Tate (@BenTateRB) December 18, 2013
Unfortunately, we've probably seen the last of Tate in a Texans uniform. His contract is set to expire after this season, and with Arian Foster returning with his substantial contract next year, he likely won't be re-signed. Best of luck to you, Ben.
In case you're keeping count, Tate joins these folks on IR:
| # | NAME | POS. | HT. | WT. | AGE | EXP. | COLLEGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Bonner, Alan | WR | 5-10 | 191 | 23 | R | Jacksonville State |
| 34 | Bouye, A.J. | CB | 6-0 | 191 | 22 | 0 | Central Florida |
| 56 | Cushing, Brian | ILB | 6-3 | 249 | 26 | 5 | Southern California |
| 23 | Foster, Arian | RB | 6-1 | 227 | 27 | 4 | Tennessee |
| 62 | Frierson, Evan | ILB | 6-2 | 234 | R | Illinois St. | |
| 17 | Lemon, Alec | WR | 6 | 207 | 0 | Syracuse | |
| 38 | Manning, Danieal | S | 5-11 | 212 | 31 | 8 | Abilene Christian |
| 77 | Quessenberry, David | OT | 6 | 307 | 23 | 0 | San Jose State |
| 73 | Williams, Brennan | OT | 6 | 314 | 22 | 0 | North Carolina |
| 54 | Williams, Trevardo | OLB | 6 | 237 | 22 | 0 | Connecticut |
Thanks to the Mothership's roster for the chart.
Phillips dropped another truth-bomb by revealing that Case Keenum's injured thumb is severe enough to keep him out of this Sunday's game. Thus, Matt Schaub will start in his place. Keenum apparently injured his thumb on the last sack of last week's game and has had trouble gripping the football. No declaration was made if Keenum, too, will be placed on IR.
#khou #texans Case Keenum has torn ligament in thumb on right hand. Matt Schaub will start Sunday. pic.twitter.com/v9zlkYGkfz
— Matt Musil (@KHOUSportsMatt) December 18, 2013
Imagine, if you would, the collective gasp of the reporters as they all stand up and simultaneously start asking their questions, demanding clarity. The flashbulbs go off as messengers run to the payphone bank, calling their editors to STOP THE PRESSES!
We just can't seem to quit you, Matt Schaub. The Texans seemed to be damned if they do or don't, so I suppose it doesn't really matter who starts at quarterback, but it's amazing how this team keeps relapsing back to Schaub despite its best efforts. Maybe we'll see some fireworks like the last time the team played the Broncos?
Leave your thoughts and well-wishes to either/both Ben Tate and Case Keenum and their respective backups in the Comments below.
Broncos vs Texans coverage