Houston Texans: D’Onta Foreman ‘has hunger’ following Achilles recovery

The Houston Texans have been waiting for D’Onta Foreman to break loose in the NFL, and 2019 might be the year he does so.

Do the Houston Texans have a secret weapon on their roster? Is this finally the year where everything comes together and running back D’Onta Foreman breaks loose, showing his true talent?

An Achilles injury has slowed down the career of Foreman thus far in his first two seasons in the NFL. Foreman was projected to have a bright future after being drafted in the third round, 89th overall, by the Texans in 2017. When Foreman was drafted, in his NFL.com draft profile, he was compared to Jonathan Stewart, formally of the Carolina Panthers, meaning he was on track to become a quality player.

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Both of the first two seasons for Foreman have been delayed and shortened by injury, as his 2017 season came to a close in November of that year when he suffered the Achilles injury, which all but ended his ’18 season.

Before his Injury in ’17, Foreman played in a total of 10 games where he rushed the football 78 times for 327 yards, with a 4.2 yards per carry average. That season, Foreman also made one start, plus he also caught six passes for 83 yards.

In ’18 Foreman played in the regular season finale as he made seven rushes and caught two passes, including one of his two receptions being a touchdown.

That brings Foreman to the ’19 OTA’s with the Texans, and his running back coach Danny Barnett said the running back is “light-years ahead” from this point last season, with the following quote from transcripts provided by HoustonTexans.com:

"“He’s light-years ahead of where he was last year at this time, coming off the injury and everything. I still think he’s continuing to work hard. I think he’s had a good offseason to date …  and improve on the little things and trying to get back to that form in which we saw prior to me coming into here, which was the 2017 season, his first year.”"

Though Foreman made his return in the ’18 regular season finale, plus he had one carry in the playoff game, the ’19 season of Foreman is one of the most exciting aspects of the Texans upcoming season.

Before training camp begins, Foreman is currently second in line on the running back depth chart behind Lamar Miller, taking over the role formally held by Alfred Blue.

Barnett later in his press conference interview spoke about the duo of Miller and Foreman for the upcoming ’19 season, and what they can provide the Texans as a duo.

"“I just think D’Onta – again, being the younger back, having a year off has kind of helped his body but also given him a hunger to get back out there. So, I think they’ll complement each other well.”"

This upcoming season for Foreman is near the top of the list in terms of excitement for the franchise. If Foreman can play like he is capable of — and stay clear of serious injury — the Texans might not have to look for a new running back in 2020 once the contract of Miller is complete if they decide to part ways.

Foreman could be a special player for the Texans, and they must have had great belief in his talents due to the fact they selected him in the third round in ’17. For the now third-year running back, Foreman has the chance to ease his way in back to the lineup behind Miller as he continues his path back to where he was before his injury.

This is an exciting time for Foreman and the Texans, as ’19 could be the season where hopefully it is his time to shine and be a big contributor for the offense. The Texans will need Foreman to be successful, and to repeat as AFC South champions.