After injury-plagued seasons the past few years, the Houston Texans released running back Arian Foster on Thursday. The top rusher in team history played in just four games last season due to injuries to his Achilles and groin.
The release was listed with a failed physical designation on the transaction wire. GM Rick Smith spoke highly of Foster after the move, calling him "one of the most complete backs in the NFL." Smith went on to wish the running back all the best in his career.
Foster ran for a franchise-leading 6,472 yards and 54 touchdowns during his seven years with the team. He was due $6.5 million in base salary with a salary cap number of $9 million next season. The team did not offer him a pay cut before releasing him.
The 29-year-old last played in all 16 games in the 2012 season, missing 12 games last season with a groin injury suffered in August, and a torn Achilles suffered in week 7. He underwent two surgeries, and posted career-worst in yards per rush, rushing yards, and first-down percentage.
He joined Houston in 2009 on the practice squad, becoming the starting running back in 2010, but has since suffered a torn meniscus, multiple hamstring injuries, and injuries to his back and knee.
His best season came in 2010, when he recorded 1,616 yards on 327 carries, and went on to reach his first of four Pro Bowls. Foster will look to start anew, on a different team, as he hopes to stay healthy on his feet and return to the caliber of play he was once at.
The release was listed with a failed physical designation on the transaction wire. GM Rick Smith spoke highly of Foster after the move, calling him "one of the most complete backs in the NFL." Smith went on to wish the running back all the best in his career.
Foster ran for a franchise-leading 6,472 yards and 54 touchdowns during his seven years with the team. He was due $6.5 million in base salary with a salary cap number of $9 million next season. The team did not offer him a pay cut before releasing him.
The 29-year-old last played in all 16 games in the 2012 season, missing 12 games last season with a groin injury suffered in August, and a torn Achilles suffered in week 7. He underwent two surgeries, and posted career-worst in yards per rush, rushing yards, and first-down percentage.
He joined Houston in 2009 on the practice squad, becoming the starting running back in 2010, but has since suffered a torn meniscus, multiple hamstring injuries, and injuries to his back and knee.
His best season came in 2010, when he recorded 1,616 yards on 327 carries, and went on to reach his first of four Pro Bowls. Foster will look to start anew, on a different team, as he hopes to stay healthy on his feet and return to the caliber of play he was once at.
