The loss of star RB Arian Foster to a torn Achilles could be a death blow to a 2-5 Houston Texans team that already had enough issues on offense. Foster was, excluding WR DeAndre Hopkins, the best player on the Texans' offense. Without Foster, Alfred Blue and Chris Polk will likely split the bulk of the carries. Jonathan Grimes is also likely to see a few touches. However, none of those players are as talented as Foster.
The good news for the Texans is that there are plenty of players worth signing off the street, if the team elects to go that route. After all, average running backs are a dime a dozen. There are several players left off this list that are options as well. Unfortunately for the Texans, no one player will be able to truly replicate what Foster did for Houston. Here are six players the Texans could sign to replace Foster.
6. Ray Rice
Every time an NFL team has needed an RB this season, Rice's name pops up. I'm not a big fan of his, because I think he's washed up as a running back. In his last season with the Ravens, he put up a meager 3.1 yards per carry. He's a 28 year old RB who hasn't played recently, so there is cause for concern. However, don't be surprised if his name comes up, even if it's only briefly.
5. Bryce Brown
Brown makes the list because he could act as a pass-catching back the teams lacks without Foster. He's quick, shifty and worth a look. He was recently cut by the Buffalo Bills and had a workout with the Chiefs.
4. Montee Ball
Ball didn't make the Broncos' roster, but still has some talent. He has limited upside in the passing game, but offers value as a workhorse type back. He's worth brining in for a workout, but his limited passing value doesn't help him with the Texans.
3. Ben Tate
Yes, the former Texan makes sense. He still fits the team's system pretty well and could contribute in a committee. He still has talent, and did get a workout with the Chiefs when Jamaal Charles went down.
2. Kenny Hilliard
If the Texans don't sign a free agent, expect Hilliard to join the roster. The former LSU RB is on the practice squad, and makes perfect sense as addition once Foster goes on I.R. Hilliard is a former college teammate of Alfred Blue. There is upside with Hilliard and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get the call to the active roster.
1. Pierre Thomas
Thomas is best catching passes out of the backfield, a talent the Texans will miss with Foster out. He nearly signed with the Texans earlier this year, so perhaps now the Texans will add Thomas. He doesn't need to be the feature back in the offense, but can be part of a committee. If the Texans add an RB, Thomas might be their best bet.
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