The Houston Texans released veteran running back Arian Foster Thursday morning.
Texans general manager Rick Smith said last week that if Foster were to be cut, it wouldn’t be because of salary. Releasing him will save the team about $6.5 million, which is what he was scheduled to make this year, according to NFL.com. Foster had a salary-cap number of almost $9 million for the 2016 season.
His release is due to his inability to stay healthy and the Texans not being able to count on his availability. In 2011, he missed two games due to a hamstring injury and in 2013 he missed eight games due to a back injury. Last year, he missed 12 games due to a torn groin.
"There are not many players I respect more than Arian Foster," Smith said in a statement. "He maximized his opportunity as an undrafted college free agent and worked to become the most productive back in franchise history, and one of the most complete backs in the NFL during his tenure with the Texans. Arian has contributed much, and meant a great deal to the success of the franchise over the past seven seasons and we wish only the best as he continues his playing career."
Foster joined the Texans in 2009 as an undrafted free agent. He leads the NFL in carries per game since he became the Texans' starting running back in 2010. He is the Texans' all-time leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, yards per game and total scoring for a non-kicker. Last year he averaged 3.67 yards per carry, which ranked 28th in the league. He rushed for 6,472 yards and 54 touchdowns, which are franchise career-highs, in seven years with the Texans, according to ESPN. Foster is a four-time Pro Bowler.
The Texans were 9-7 last year and won the AFC South.