Houston Texans running back Arian Foster, one of the NFL's premier rushers, may be on the physically unable to perform list but the organization is not worried his calf injury will dog him during the season.
Texans general manager Rick Smith said of Foster's health:
"We want to make sure that he is totally 100 percent ready. So he's very close. We are just making sure that he is ready to go when we let him loose. We are being cautious and taking that slowly, but I have no worries that that is going to be something that he is going to have to deal with."
Texans head coach Gary Kubiak went even further than Smith in declaring optimism about Foster's return, saying he could be activated by the middle of the week. It's important for Foster to get back because his running is the centerpiece of Houston's whole offense.
In 2012 Foster carried the ball 351 times for 1,424 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns. He compiled 1, 641 yards from scrimmage, and tacked on two receiving touchdowns for a grand total of 17.
Smith is expecting similar, if not better production from Foster in 2013. "He had his most productive year coming off of an offseason where he was just totally dedicated and focused. I saw the same dedication and focus this past offseason," Smith said. "So, if the last one was any indication, he's going to have a great year 'cause he worked and he was diligent in what he was doing this offseason. So he's committed to having an excellent season."
Smith also said he isn't concerned with the high number of carries contributing to the wear and tear on Foster's legs. "As it relates to the number of carries, you add the touches and receptions and it's up there, but I don't think that he has been negatively impacted by anything that he's done from a carries standpoint. I think Arian is one of those guys that likes the ball."
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