HOUSTON — Steve Slaton became a key to Houston's offense as a rookie last year when he ran for a franchise-record 1,282 yards.

This season he's tied for the NFL lead in lost fumbles and his job as a starter is in jeopardy after Ryan Moats had a career day filling in for him.

Coach Gary Kubiak won't say who'll start in Sunday's AFC South matchup at Indianapolis. Regardless of who starts, coaches and players agree they'll need Slaton's playmaking ability against the Colts.