Report: Texans' Foster needs surgery on groin, expected back during season

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster suffered a significant groin injury in the team's first padded practice on Monday, according to multiple reports.

The four-time Pro Bowler, who has a long history of groin and hamstring injuries, will require surgery, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Texans reportedly expect Foster back on the field at some point during the season, but the specific timetable is unclear. If Foster misses significant time, it's possible the Texans will opt to use their lone IR-designated for return slot on the veteran runner. The designation would force Foster to sit out at least the first eight weeks of the season.

Foster came up lame on a pass play and was forced to leave the field at Monday's practice. He did not return.

Alfred Blue, who was carted off the field Monday with cramps, would be in line to carry the workload in the 29-year-old Foster's absence. Chris Polk, Jonathan Grimes, and rookie seventh-rounder Kenny Hilliard are also in the mix at the position.

Foster missed two games with a groin injury and one with a hamstring pull last season. He also tore his hamstring in 2011, missing three games as a result.

Despite the wear and tear, Foster rushed for 1,246 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014. He added 327 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the air in a major bounce-back year.