A second-round pick in the 2010 draft, the former Auburn running back broke his right ankle in the Texans' first preseason game and was carted off the field. He was placed on injured reserve and underwent surgery.
Tate came into training camp eager to show the Texans what he could do, but he's hindered by an injury again. He left Tuesday's practice with tightness in his hamstring, and coaches are left to wonder how he'll make up the lost time.
The competition is fierce behind 2010 rushing champion Arian Foster. Steve Slaton is looking for a bounceback season, Derrick Ward is trying to follow up a productive 2010 and Chris Ogbonnaya has impressed coach Gary Kubiak in early practices.
