The Texans are 2-5, and just lost star running back Arian Foster for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, but somehow are still in the mix for the AFC South. That’s why signing Ray Rice has now become a no-brainer.

Foster missed the first three games of the season and Alfred Blue was underwhelming to say the least. In three of the first four games of the season, Blue rushed for 42 yards or fewer and only scored in Week 3, in which he exploded for 139 yards. Beyond that game, the Texans’ running game has been futile without Foster, and their passing game is not potent enough to carry them.

DeAndre Hopkins is the only reliable pass-catcher on the team, and with whether Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett is under center, it’s unlikely either player is going to make the receivers better. Houston needs a capable veteran to ensure the running game is effective. There aren’t many backs in free agency with better track records than Rice.

Rice’s future can’t be discussed without a mention of two strikes against him. First, obviously, is the public relations nightmare of signing a player the world saw commit a horrific act of domestic violence. It’s undoubtedly a distraction. Second, is his performance in 2013; Rice averaged 3.1 yards per carry and totaled 660 yards on the ground after posting for straight seasons of 1,100 yards or more.

Ray Rice Will Sign A Minimum Contract If Necessary

Most players are not cast away after a single bad season though, especially dual threat running backs with three Pro Bowl appearances, and two seasons with more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage under his belt. 2013 aside, Rice has consistently been one of the best running backs in football, and missing the entire 2014 season can be spun as a positive. At 28, he’s two years away from the dreaded age-30 season, and he has had ample healing time from the previous five seasons in which he averaged 265 carries.

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