EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Another week, another potentially huge, injury-related break for the New York Giants.
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster has a hamstring injury and will not play in Sunday's game. Rookie Alfred Blue will start in his place.
This comes one week after Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer was a late scratch against the Giants, though the Giants were unable to take advantage and win that game. Their next opponent is Washington, which is without its own starting quarterback due to injury.
The 0-2 Giants obviously need all of the help they can get. Foster ranks second in the NFL so far this year with 241 rushing yards and leads the league with 55 rushing attempts, so the Texans' offense runs through him. The Giants' run defense is compromised due to the absence of linebackers Jon Beason (foot) and Devon Kennard (hamstring), both of whom are inactive for this game and were ruled out Friday.
Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has yet to throw an interception this year, which is out of character and likely due to the team's ability to rely on the run game and the defense. The Giants have yet to procure a turnover from an opponent this year, so they'll be hoping Foster's absence leads Fitzpatrick to take more chances in the passing game and give them an opportunity.
Jameel McClain replaces Beason as the starter at middle linebacker for the Giants. Mark Herzlich replaces McClain as the starting strongside linebacker.
Defensive tackle Markus Kuhn is active for the first time this year for the Giants after missing the first two games due to injury, which moves rookie Jay Bromley back to the inactive list after he was active last week. Linebacker Dan Fox and wide receiver Julian Talley, who were signed from the practice squad this week due to other injuries, are both active.
This is the full list of Giants inactives, brought to you this week by the letter "B":
LB Jon Beason
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
OL James Brewer
DT Jay Bromley
LB Devon Kennard
DE Kerry Wynn