Ben Tate practiced Wednesday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center, and will likely start at running back Friday in Minnesota.
"My plan is, if he feels fine coming out of today, he will," head coach Gary Kubiak said. "He looks fine. He should be able to take his reps that we want him to take on Friday night. It won't be many, but I'd like to see him get out there with the first group and take some."
Tate missed the last three morning practices after leaving Friday morning's practice early with what he described as tightness in his groin. The fourth-year running back participated in Tuesday afternoon's walkthrough inside, and was back on the field this morning. In Arian Foster's absence, Tate has been the starter.
Whether or not he's with the first group on Friday evening at Minnesota, undrafted rookie Dennis Johnson will still see plenty of reps. Kubiak said Tuesday that the former Arkansas Razorback would start if Tate can't.
"It's going to be a dream come true," Johnson said after Wednesday's morning practice. "I'm just waiting to play."
Johnson was asked what he needed to show the Texans coaches on Friday, and he was quick to answer.
"Toughness," Johnson said. "And that I can run the ball. Hold on to the ball, and that I belond here."
In addition to Johnson, fourth-year back Deji Karim and undrafted rookies Cierre Wood and Ray Graham will also vie for carries against the Vikings.
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