Houston Texans: Arian Foster back on the practice field
By Randy Gurzi
He is one step closer to returning to action. Houston Texans franchise rushing leader, Arian Foster was on the practice field Thursday for the first time since a groin injury sidelined the running back early in training camp.
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Initial reports suggested Foster could be placed on the short-term injured reserve, causing him to miss half the season. The veteran disputed those claims and after surgery there were whispers that he could be back as early as Week 2 for the Texans.
While he isn’t quite ready for this weekend, the ability to practice was a very encouraging sign, and a step towards getting back for what Foster believes will be his best year ever as a pro.
"“I think this is going to be my best year and I still feel like it will be,” he said. “It’s going to be tough because I’m going to have some ground to make up, but I was feeling the best, feeling the quickest that I felt. You can judge for yourself.”"
Those are lofty goals as his best statistical season came in 2010 when he rand for 4.9 yards per attempt and finished the year with 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also was able to record 66 receptions for 604 yards and two more scores in his breakout second NFL season.
While injuries have slowed him recently, 12 games missed the past three season now counting Week 1, he is still effective when on the field.
In 13 games last year Foster managed 1,246 yards with 4.8 yards per rush and eight score. He added another five touchdowns on 38 catches.
With the team realizing quarterback Brian Hoyer is still Brian Hoyer and playing Ryan Mallett, Foster may find even more running room to work with than last season. The big play threat of Mallett and new number one wide out DeAndre Hopkins looked potent in Week 1 and should force safeties back some to help Arian out.
If his health is not an issue, I sadly do still have doubts if it can last, Foster could be well in line for one of his better seasons. There is arguably more talent around him than he has ever had thus far in his career, which would only serve to help him put up huge numbers.