Houston Texans running back Arian Foster returned to practice on Thursday, according to ESPN's Tania Ganguli.
Arian Foster practices Thursday, fantasy value climbing
The Texans appear to be on the verge of getting Arian Foster back into their lineup. We break down the fantasy implications.
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This marks the first practice Foster has gone through since tearing his groin muscle in August. No official word has been given regarding his availability for Sunday, but head coach Bill O'Brien said earlier in the week that he did not anticipate Foster being on the active roster vs. the Carolina Panthers.
Fantasy Spin: With an out of conference opponent next on the schedule, and another looming the week after, it wouldn't make much sense for the Texans to rush their veteran running back onto the field. Therefore, it's not unreasonable for fantasy owners to assume that if Foster does play vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3, it's because he is 100 percent ready to go.
The Panthers don't present a favorable matchup, but if Foster is able to play without limitations, he is in the RB2 conversation. If he sits, expect the usual combination of Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk to man the backfield. In the meantime, Foster's owners have to be thrilled with this encouraging news.
