HOUSTON -- Texans running back Ben Tate appeared in the locker room on Tuesday for the first time since being placed on injured reserve.

Tate's last game with the Texans might have been in Indianapolis during which he aggravated the broken ribs he'd played through for several games.

So I asked the ever-honest Tate, in his gut, does he think he's done in Houston?

"Honestly?" he said, then gave a lengthy pause while he pondered his answer. "Probably so."

He added in a less pensive tone: "But we'll see. You never know what will happen. New coaches come in, some different things could happen."

A 2010 second-round pick, Tate came into Houston anticipating growing into the role as the team's starter. But he was passed up by the undrafted Arian Foster as Tate worked through injuries. When he got his chance, though, he showed he has the capability to be a starter.

I had heard last offseason that Tate was a player the Texans wanted to keep around, they liked what he could be. But his future with the team could depend on whose injury situation is more impactful for the Texans. I don't see a scenario where both Tate and Foster return to the team, especially given what Tate will command on the open market and the Texans' current cap situation.

For his part, Tate plans to remain stoic.

"You can't let emotions get involved," he said. "At any time you could get cut at any time, traded at any time. ... At the end of the day, the Texans are going to do what's best for them. So you gotta be smart."

Would he like to stay in Houston?

"I'd definitely like to stay," Tate said. "We'll see what happens."