Texans, Browns could be without biggest offensive playmakers on Sunday
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster, the NFL's second-leading rusher, missed practice for a second consecutive day Thursday.
Foster has a groin injury. The Texans don't have to declare Foster as questionable, doubtful or anything for Sunday's game in Cleveland until after Friday's practice, but given that the team had last week off, his absence this week is interesting.
The Texans have the NFL's fourth-best rushing offense and the Browns have the league's 28th best run defense.
Foster, who has six games of 100-plus rushing yards, is closing in on his fourth 1,000-yard rushing season. His primary backup is rookie Alfred Blue, who's run 68 times for 234 yards on the season.
The Browns practiced again without Tashaun Gipson, the NFL's interceptions leader, and Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron. Both have concussions, and Mike Pettine said Thursday he's not ready to make any declarations about their status.
For the second straight day the Browns practiced without defensive lineman Phil Taylor (knee) and backup safety Johnson Bademosi (concussion) and listed Andrew Hawkins (leg) and Nick McDonald (calf) as limited.
The Texans have also been without starting cornerback Kareem Jackson for two days; linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing have been limited. Wednesday, Texans coach Bill O'Brien said he was hopeful Clowney would be able to play for just the third time this season but that the decision might wait until Sunday.
