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GREEN’S GROIN GETTING HIM CUT?
Posted by Mike Florio on August 18, 2008, 12:54 p.m.
On the same day that the Texans reportedly will be parting ways with offensive lineman Fred Weary, there’s talk that one of the guys for whom he was blocking could be getting the heave-ho.
Per the Houston Chronicle, via our friends at Rotoworld.com, who exclusively power our must-see Fantasy Mill, Ahman Green’s current groin injury could result in a decision to release the veteran tailback.
The key piece of proof could be the decision of the Texans to sign Marcel Shipp, who was booted by the Cardinals recently. Shipp’s arrival could be a sign that either Green or newcomer Chris Brown will be gone.
And don’t be surprised if the winner in all of this is Steve Slaton, whose own chronic injury problems (coupled with an apparent fear of suffering a big one on the cusp of his NFL payday) caused his draft stock to slide to round three in April.
On Sunday, coach Gary Kubiak gushed about Slaton’s preseason performance against the Saints.
“He played pretty darn well,” Kubiak said. “He’s a player that’s getting continuously better every time we go out. He’s a much better player this week than he was last week. He was better in protections. There are still some mistakes that concern you the closer you get to the season, but it’s obviously he can be a big help to us offensively.”
Slaton has been regarded as at best a third-down back, due to his size. But why does it have to be that way? If he can move the chains, hold the ball, and avoid the injury bug, he could be a force. He’s got a nose for the end zone and a burst of speed that (unlike Reggie Bush) apparently is translating well to the NFL.
It’s still way too early to make comparisons. But wouldn’t it be the ultimate irony if it turns out that, two years after passing on Bush with the No. 1 overall pick, the Texans picked up in round three a guy who ends up being better than Bush?
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