Derrick Ward

The Texans entered training camp with a crowded backfield, but they’ll likely be down three key running backs in their preseason opener against the New York Jets on Monday night.

Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and Ben Tate are all expected to miss the game because of hamstring injuries. Texans coach Gary Kubiak said on Saturday morning that his team’s running back rotation will consist of Derrick Ward, Chris Ogbonnaya and newly-signed Javarris Williams.

“Tate just hasn’t come along,” Kubiak said. “Everybody thought he could – our trainers, our doctors – but he hasn’t. So, we’ll listen to him. Arian, we’ve been shooting for next week with Arian the whole time.”

Foster wouldn’t have played much anyway, since the Texans’ starters will take only 10-12 snaps against the Jets. But each preseason game could be invaluable to Slaton and Tate, who are fighting for playing time and perhaps a spot on the roster.