Arian Foster Injury: Houston Texans RB back at practice, seems ready to play

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) rushes during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak stated that Arian Foster and Ben Tate would be game-time decisions, and it looks like we can pencil in Foster as being on the positive side of the game-time decision coin. The Texans official Twitter account tweeted that Kubiak will “evaluate” tomorrow whether or not Foster can play this week and added that Foster took “positive steps”. He returned to the practice field today and reportedly took all the practice reps he was scheduled to take, so that’s definitely a positive sign. Ben Tate is also prepared to play this week through four fractured ribs, and I would tentatively expect both players to play this week.

The Texans are in a must-win situation against the Indianapolis Colts, because a loss to the current top team in the AFC South would most likely spell doom for the Texans season. Case Keenum is a player Gary Kubiak absolutely loves, but the Texans best bet is running the ball with one of the league’s best running back duos. Foster has 542 rushing yards and 183 receiving yards this season, and he continues to be one of the league’s elite backs. There is little doubt that the offense runs through him, which is why it would be a surprise for him to miss a crucial game this week.

Foster has had a bye week to rest on a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and fantasy owners should slot Foster in as a starter this week. He’s too good to bench until it is confirmed that he will be out, but I fully expect him to play. Both he and Tate seem determined to suit up this week, and another positive update on Foster’s status tomorrow will seal the deal.

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