Arian Foster needs surgery; Who will step up for Texans?

Injury prone Houston Texans running back, Arian Foster, has suffered a groin injury that will likely land him on the IR/designated to return list. 

He will likely return Week 10 because the Texans have a bye Week 9.

The injury occurred during the Texans Monday night practice, the team’s first in all pads.

Last season, Foster was the centerpiece of the Texans offense, rushing for 1,246 yards and eight touchdowns despite only playing 11 games throughout the season. 

The Texans ran more than any team in the NFL, finishing fifth in total rushing yards. 

If the injury is as bad as reported, the Texans will need to figure out a plan for Foster’s absence.

Alfred Blue served as the backup for Foster last year, but only averaged three yards per carry. In addition to that, he was carted of the field Monday, reports stating it was due to cramps. 

Whatever the reason, the Texans are looking for someone else to man the running back duties.

Reports have stated that Pierre Thomas, Ben Malena, and Joe McKnight will meet with the team in regards to Foster’s absence.

Thomas had spent all eight years of his career with the New Orleans Saints and was an electric pass catcher out of the backfield. He was waived back in March despite rushing for 222 yards and 378 yards receiving. He tallied up three total touchdowns.

Thomas is considered the frontrunner for the position and it would be surprising if he doesn’t get signed by the team.

Ben Malena has yet to play a down in the NFL. He was undrafted out of Texas A&M back in the 2014 NFL Draft. He received several offers but decided to sign with Dallas, where he was sent to the Cowboys practice squad before being waived and claimed by the Texans. 

He is currently on the Texans practice squad and now may have a shot to get to the field for the Texans.

McKnight will also have a possibility for filling in at the position. McKnight played for the New York Jets for three years and was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs last season. Over the course of his career he rushed for 505 yards and caught two touchdown passes. His chances of making the team are much smaller than the likes of Pierre Thomas, but he is still in the running to replace Foster.

Aside from these three, we could still see a veteran name like Steven Jackson, former Texan Ben Tate, or Ray Rice. Yes, that Ray Rice may pop up into the picture.

Bottom line, whoever the Texans settle with, they are still missing All-Pro back Arian Foster and it will be very tough for the Texans to overcome his absence.