“Growing Optimism” That Arian Foster May Only Miss 4-6 Weeks

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports that there is “growing optimism” Texans RB Arian Foster may only miss four to six weeks after he underwent successful surgery on Friday.

The intial time table indicated that Foster could be out of the lineup for around two or three months, so this is very encouraging news for Houston.

Foster remains a candidate to be placed on injured reserve-designated to return, which would cost him the first eight games of the season, but he could return to practice on Week 6.

Indications are that the Texans will wait and see what they have in Alfred Blue, Chris Polk, Jonathan Grimes, and Kenny Hilliard before signing a free agent.

Foster, 28, has another two years remaining on his five-year, $43.5 million contract that included $20.75 million guaranteed. He stands to make base salaries of $6 million and $6.5 million over the final two years of the agreement.

In 2014, Foster appeared in 13 games for the Texans and ran for 1,246 yards on 260 carries (4.8 YPC) to go along with 38 receptions for 327 yards receiving and 13 total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 12 running back out of 57 qualifying players.