The Houston Texans are not starting their season off the way the team had been hoping to. While HBO cameras are catching all of the training camp storylines, there are certainly plenty developing and not all of them are positive. With the run game expected to play a major role in helping the Brian Hoyer-Ryan Mallett quarterback battle, an injury is already hurting the effort. With Arian Foster expected to undergo surgery, the Texans are pressured to add a starting running back quickly.
According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans will be placing Foster on injured with the designation to return meaning the running back will not be eligible to return to the field for at least the first eight weeks of the season. Foster suffered a groin injury during training camp and will now undergo surgery to repair the issue. This is not what the Texans wanted for 2015 as Foster was expected to be critical in helping the new offense develop this season.
The Texans got to work immediately on trying to find his replacement. According to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, the Texans brought in veteran Pierre Thomas for a workout and were expected to sign him, but his agent reported the two sides were unable to come to an agreement. Many believe Thomas is the best available running back on the market as he averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per catch. He is the type of running back that can do a little bit of everything, something the Texans want.
With Thomas out, BenJarvus Green-Ellis is reportedly getting some interest considering his history with head coach Bill O'Brien. Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson and Ben Tate are all healthy and looking for an opportunity. Trades could also potentially be an option for the Texans depending on what they are willing to give up. Ray Rice is also available for the taking. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are not likely to sign the former Baltimore Ravens running back as owner Bob McNair does not agree with giving him a second chance.
For now the Texans will hope someone from within emerges as the best option. Alfred Blue and Chris Polk are likely the two most versatile players on the roster for the Texans. Jonathan Grimes and Kenny Hilliard are also on the roster. According to O'Brien, Hilliard is improving every day in training camp and could turn out to be a real asset for the team.
"Kenny's getting better," O'Brien said, via the Chronicle. "Kenny has improved each of the days that he's been here and that's what you look for. I think he's gotten better at getting his pads down. He's gotten better at knowing what to do. He's gotten better with ball security. He just needs to keep on that track."
