Dennis Johnson

Ben Tate rushed seven times for just one yard Sunday during the Texans’ 13-6 home loss to Jacksonville.

Despite undrafted rookie Dennis Johnson showing life (13 carries, 74 yards) and Tate still dealing with four cracked ribs, coach Gary Kubiak said the Texans will continue to initially rely on Tate against the New England Patriots.

“There were a couple of times where there really wasn’t any room for (Tate). I don’t know if he ever got in a rhythm with what he’s doing,” Kubiak said Monday at Reliant Stadium. “We know what he’s battling through. He’s not practicing during the week; he’s just playing on Sundays. So I know that’s tough from that standpoint. But we definitely appreciate with some of the things going on. The young guy, D.J., was running so well. He did some good things, so we gave him some more opportunities. I think Ben will bounce back.”

With Tate banged up, it will be hard for the Texans not to take a look at Johnson, especially when you factor in Tate will likely leave next season and the team will need a reliable backup for Arian Foster. Tate will be a risky start as anything other than a RB3 or a flex.