The Houston Texans might have suffered a serious blow to their chances of winning the AFC South division in 2015 after learning that running back Arian Foster has sustained a “significant” injury to his groin that is expected to need surgery.
Foster was one of the best running backs in the NFL last season even though he missed three games and will leave a tremendous void. Alfred Blue is next in line for Houston, but these three free agents may be better equipped to fill in.
Ahmad Bradshaw
Bradshaw is a bit injury prone himself, but when he’s on the field he remains a highly productive back. He played in three games in 2013 and averaged 4.5 yards per carry, then made it through 10 games last year and averaged 4.7. His last season as a full-time starter was 2012 with the Giants in which he rushed for 4.6 yards per carry. Bradshaw is only 5’11, but he packs a punch when he runs and does not need to be replaced at the goal line.
The Texans are obviously hoping Foster can return at full strength at some point in 2015, so Bradshaw would be signed on as a short-term replacement. That is probably best for both sides. There is also the small matter of Bradshaw’s one-game suspension to start the season. It’s a knock against him, but he’s too talented to not investigate.
Pierre Thomas
Thomas has been one of the better pass-catching running backs in the NFL the past few seasons and has had excellent seasons in terms of yards per carry with limited attempts. The New Orleans Saints tended to rotate their backs based on down and distance, but Thomas may thrive for the Texans, who have turned an undrafted free agent (Foster) into a super star.
If the Texans believe in Blue, and don’t feel comfortable entrusting a workhorse role to Thomas, they can easily deploy him as a passing downs ace and lean on Blue. But Thomas doesn’t have much tread on his tires, so hitting 30 years old isn’t a death knell for his prospects.
Ben Tate
Ben Tate had pockets of success in his first three NFL seasons as a backup to the oft-injured Foster with the Houston Texans before playing mostly unsuccessfully for three teams in 2014. Tate started seven games last season, six of which were with the Cleveland Browns. He averaged a weak 3.1 yards per carry on 13 attempts per game before he was let go in favor of younger players.
He only made one more start last season, and got only 18 carries. The familiarity aspect with Houston’s offense is gone as well since Gary Kubiak is no longer in place, but he is still a veteran running back that, at 26 years old, still should have some promise.
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