Former Houston Texans running back Arian Foster is getting closer to returning to the NFL, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. According to Fowler, Foster is “hungry” to return to his 2012 form, when he carried the ball a league high 351 times for 1,424 yards and led the league in rushing touchdowns with 15 trips to the endzone. In his career, Foster has 1,454 carries for 6,472 yards and 54 touchdowns over seven seasons with the Texans; he has been selected to four Pro Bowls and one First-Team All-Pro list. Foster also has 249 career receptions for 2,268 yards with 14 touchdowns.
The Dolphins have been linked to Foster most of the offseason. They met with him in March, and the idea of Miami adding a veteran running back to a young position group has remained a topic of discussion all offseason. The team has reportedly backed away a little from Foster, choosing instead to focus on the development of players like Jay Ajayi, Kenyan Drake, and Damien Williams. They still would consider Foster, according to reports, if an injury were to happen or the young players were not developing - but Foster may be signed by that time.
Miami defensive end Cameron Wake also sustained a torn Achilles tendon in October last year, returning for the team’s Organized Team Activities and minicamp this month, but the team kept him somewhat restrained throughout the early offseason workouts, to ensure he is ready for training camp. Foster appears to be on about the same timeline of recovery as Wake.
According to Fowler’s report, three teams have recently been in contact with Foster, who was released by the Texans in March. He has taken his time this offseason in meeting with and working for teams as he rehabs from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in October against the Dolphins. He does expect to be back for training camps, which begin at the end of July.