The Houston Texans are looking to bring in a free agent after losing Arian Foster to a groin injury and after the team could not agree on a deal with Pierre Thomas, other names that could be options include Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson, Ben Tate, Ray Rice, Joe McKnight and Felix Jones as the NFL offseason moves into training camp and the preseason.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Foster will have surgery on Friday and he likely will start the season on the injured reserve designated to return list. Thomas reportedly was close to a deal with the Texans, but the two sides did not agree. The report says that talks could pick up again with Thomas eventually. Ray Rice is reportedly not an option for any teams right now, while the Cowboys have had some tepid interest in Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson.
The Texans reportedly worked out McKnight along with Ben Malena and Thomas, according to John McClain at the Chronicle. The Texans have lost Arian Foster to an injury in training camp and now he could be out until around Week 10 of the season if he opens on the IR where he can return. The team now may look at a free agent for depth on the roster with Alfred Blue, Chris Polk, Jonathan Grimes and rookie Kenny Hilliard on the depth chart.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Texans and Pierre Thomas were close on a contract after a free agent visit on Tuesday, but they did not agree on a deal. The website reports that O'Brien wants a running back that "can do a little bit of everything" and that makes sense with how versatile Foster is at rushing and receiving.
The Houston Chronicle reports that the team could pick back up on talks with Thomas after the team offered him a veteran minimum contract deal. Reports had the Texans and Thomas reaching a deal on Wednesday, but that did not hold and Thomas could hold out for another offer from a different team. The Texans have confidence in Alfred Blue and O'Brien said that the team could use a running back by committee with players working on "roles" in the offense.
The Texans lost Foster to a groin injury and he will undergo surgery this week, according to the Houston Chronicle. John McClain reports that Foster is having the procedure on Friday in Philadelphia and that the running back will open the season on the injured reserve designated to return list. Foster has dealt with injury issues in the past and he is one of the most productive backs in football when healthy.
There are still some veteran options on the market at running back and even if the Texans don't sign someone in camp, they could bring in players for the preseason or before the season starts. Steven Jackson, Felix Jones and Ben Tate are all available, while Ray Rice is also on the market but that is highly unlikely with what all that could bring. Thomas could remain an option, as he is a strong receiver out of the backfield and can help make up for that aspect of Foster's game.
Check here for more on the Houston Texans options and the Arian Foster injury.