The Facts: The Texans shut down Tate on Wednesday. The team announced that he has been placed on injured reserve because of a rib injury that’s bothered him for several weeks.

Diehards Line: Tate cracked four ribs in Week Eight and has since cracked a fifth, which led to the decision to sit him for the rest of the year. Tate has 771 yards on 181 carries and has scored four touchdowns this year. He’s set to become a free agent after the season, so last Sunday’s game against the Colts may turn out to be his final game as a member of the Texans. Dennis Johnson will likely get the start against the Broncos this week with Deji Karim in reserve.