Blue had three carries for 19 yards and caught one pass for four yards in Houston's 27-20 win over Tennessee in Week 4.

EDGE Analysis

If there were any thoughts that Blue's status in the offense would change with head coach Bill O'Brien calling the plays, that notion was quashed against the Titans. Through four games, Blue has just 11 carries and one reception, as free-agent acquisition Lamar Miller gobbles up most of the opportunities in the backfield. Miller's touches with the Texans in 2016 are far and away the most in his career, so there's a chance he wears down under that unprecedented workload. If that happens, Blue would emerge as the lead running back, but even then, the Texans would likely employ a job-share at the position, particularly when they need a receiver out of the backfield.

Blue rushed twice for 12 yards in Houston's 27-0 loss to New England in Week 3 on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The Texans were forced to throw the ball more than they like, so Jonathan Grimes, considered a better threat as a receiver, got more playing time ahead of Blue, whose two carries came on Houston's final drive.

Blue rushed five times for 11 yards in Houston's win over Kansas City in Week 2.

EDGE Analysis

Through two weeks, Blue has just six carries. The Texans are quite comfortable giving the ball to Lamar Miller, who has a combined 53 rushing attempts in Weeks 1 and 2. That kind of load for the starter means Blue will have scant opportunities out of the backfield.

Blue had one carry for four yards in Houston's 23-14 win over Chicago in Week 1.

EDGE Analysis

The Texans fed Lamar Miller (28 carries) all day, leaving Blue with very little opportunity to contribute. He's the number two back on the depth chart, but there's a vast chasm between Miller and Blue.

Blue gained 17 yards on six carries in Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Rookie fourth-round selection Tyler Ervin actually entered the game before Blue, taking a few snaps with the first-team offense while Lamar Miller and DeAndre Hopkins were still in the game. Blue and Miller then split snaps for the rest of the half, which could be indicative of how the Texans would play things in the event of a Miller injury. Blue is a between-the-tackles bruiser with limited receiving skills, whereas Ervin is a speedy 195-pounder with a background as a return man.

Blue (shoulder) returned to practice Monday and is expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Although he missed the first two preseason games, Blue was healthy for the first two weeks of training camp, getting plenty of reps along the way. While not much of a pass-catching threat, Blue is a clear favorite to serve as Lamar Miller's top backup for early downs. Jonathan Grimes handled a lot of the passing-down work last year, but he may need to fend off 2015 seventh-rounder Kenny Hilliard in a competition for a roster spot, as rookie fourth-rounder Tyler Ervin is a lock to make the team even if he doesn't earn much of a role.

Blue (shoulder) is expected to return to practice this week.

EDGE Analysis

Blue, who first injured his shoulder during the joint practices with San Francisco in preseason Week 1, has not played in the first two preseason games. With Blue unavailable, Kenny Hilliard and Akeem Hunt have picked up the bulk of the carries that haven't gone to lead back Lamar Miller.

Blue (shoulder) won't play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Saints, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to head coach Bill O'Brien, a "minor" shoulder injury will keep Blue in street clothes for the second game in a row. It remains to be seen if Blue will be cleared for game action by the conclusion of the preseason, but Kenny Hilliard and Tyler Ervin are in line for additional snaps as long as he's sidelined.

Blue (shoulder) missed his second consecutive practice day Wednesday, Chris Abshire of CBS Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Blue didn't play in Sunday's preseason opener because of the shoulder injury and at this point, there's no timetable for his return. The third-year back is presumed to be the top backup to Lamar Miller at running back, but obviously needs to be healthy in order to fulfill that role. If the shoulder injury lingers, that favors Jonathan Grimes moving up the depth chart.

Blue missed Tuesday's practice with a minor shoulder injury, Aaron Wilson the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Assuming the injury is indeed minor, Blue should still have plenty of time to cement his role as the top early-down backup to Lamar Miller. Given his lack of quickness and receiving skills, Blue doesn't offer much promise as a handcuff.