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Sorry fantasy football owners. Although it could be worse, the news is not good.
According to Houston Chronicle staffer John McClain, a severe groin injury that Arian Foster suffered in Monday night’s practice will require surgery. But the veteran running back should be able to return at some point this season.
That suggests a trip to the injured reserve/designated for return list could be in play.
Of course, Foster has battled a variety of injuries throughout the course of his career -- including a hamstring issue that knocked him out of the team's season finale last year and another groin injury he dealt with last November.
Despite the injury issues, Foster finished 2014 with 1,246 yards and eight touchdowns on 255 rushing attempts. He also caught 37 passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns.
The Texans, who have yet to comment on the injury, have Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes, Chris Polk and Kenny Hilliard on the roster behind Foster.
Blue left Monday night’s practice, after suffering a cramp and should be ready to replace Foster in the starting lineup. Grimes was the third back last season. Polk, signed as a free agent from the Eagles, is suffering from a hamstring injury. Hilliard is a 7th round pick from LSU.
Blue did a nice job in relief of Foster last season while Polk rushed for 172 yards and four touchdowns on 46 carries for Philadelphia in 2014.
According to McClain, general manager Rick Smith and coach Bill O’Brien are expected to be on the lookout for another back, whether by trade, free-agent signing or waiver claim. I'll be watching for more on that front in coming days (watch the News & Views section of the site for more).
Meanwhile, there's reason to believe Foster's absence could be an even greater issue.
As Profootballtalk.com's Darin Gantt notes, Foster was the guy the whole operation was built around, as they’re trying to decide between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett at quarterback.
They’re also replacing veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson, letting him go this offseason and hoping DeAndre Hopkins is able to take on a bigger role.
It will be interesting to see how they adjust in Foster's absence -- and even more interesting to see how long that absence will be (more on that as further details come to light).