The Facts: After an injury-plagued 2013 season, Foster is enthusiastic about playing for a new coaching staff and learning a new offense. Until this year, Foster had known only one staff and one system. That’s changing under first-year HC Bill O’Brien. “So far, I really like it,” Foster said about the system that’s being installed by O’Brien and QBs coach George Godsey. “It’s very versatile. Coach O’Brien has expressed to me how he wants to use me out of the backfield. That’s one of my strengths.”

Diehards Line: Foster has recovered from back surgery, and he’s been participating in the offseason program as he prepares for his sixth season -- one he hopes will be injury free. “I’m back,” Foster said. “I didn’t want it to happen. You can’t ever plan for something like that, but it’s just part of the game, and you have to deal with it.”Foster, who also suffered calf and hamstring injuries before the back injury forced him to be placed on injured reserve Nov. 12, is eager to make up for lost time. He played in only eight games and rushed for 542 yards, fewest since his rookie year in 2009 when he made one start. ... From a fantasy football perspective, it's always good to hear about teams planning to get their top RB the ball in open space more often. In this case, the Texans need for Foster to stay healthy so he can resume his role as their heavy-duty back.