Arian Foster released by Texans

Today, the Houston Texans announced that they released running back Arian Foster, their all-time leading rusher.

The reality is that Foster has missed 23 games over the past three seasons, including 12 in 2015.  Unfortunately, the 29-year old back has trouble staying healthy, and with the move the Texans clear $6.625 million in salary cap space.  It is no surprise, then, that Foster was released, and in fact it was expected for several months.

During his time in Houston, Foster rushed for 6,472 yards and 54 touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and notching four 1,000+ yard seasons.  He also caught 249 passes for 2,268 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 9.1 yards per reception.  In total, Foster amassed 8,740 yards and 68 touchdowns during his seven years in Houston, averaging 115 total yards per game.

Foster was arguably at his most dangerous, however, when playing the Indianapolis Colts.  He played eight games against Houston's division rival during his time, and Foster rushed for 1,001 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and caught 32 passes for 242 yards.  In total, Foster accounted for 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns in just eight games against the Colts, averaging 155.4 total yards and a touchdown per game.  Without a doubt, the Colts won't be sad to see Foster leaving the Texans and would be totally fine if he left the AFC South, as he has absolutely shredded the Colts defense whenever he faces them.

It was a terrific run in Houston for Foster, but unfortunately injuries caught up to him and plagued him the last several years.  The Texans made official today what was expected for months in cutting the running back, but I can't imagine the Colts are too disappointed by the news.