Recommendation: He was still used as a third down back in their last game against Indianapolis, but the team ideally wants him as its lead back. In practices, teammates routinely rip at the ball both during and after the play to make sure Slaton is keeping the ball secure. "For us to play well in the next seven weeks, Steve will have to be a big part of that. I know I'm counting on him, and I know his teammates are, too," said Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. In a related note coming out of Tuesday's practice, the Texans gave a larger share of practice reps to rookie practice-squad back Arian Foster. Clearly, Houston's running back position remains one in flux, and it wouldn't surprise us to see Slaton become the lead back once again.