Arian Foster Injury: Can Houston Texans RB Still Take NFL Rushing Title?

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster is off to a slow start after his NFL-best 2010 rushing season. Because of a lingering hamstring injury, he did not play in the Texans' season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, which Houston was able to win 34-7 without his services.

While he is already one game behind in his pursuit of winning the title a second season in a row, don't count him out of the race just yet.

Last year, Foster earned the title while playing on an injured knee. While it did not cause him to lose any time, as his hamstring has already this season, it serves as proof that Foster has the talent to play hurt without any noticeable decrease in his offensive production.

Playing hurt is not advisable: an undisclosed leg injury in a starting running back is a good route to something more serious and long-term and could even result in league sanctions against a team should they be found to cover it up. However, it provides a good example of how Foster, when healthy, has a definite shot to reach or even surpass his 2010 performance.

Of course, the more games Foster misses while his hamstring heals, the greater the chances that he won't be able to reclaim the rushing title this season. If he misses any more than three games, Foster will likely not be in the running this year. But, for now, it is quite possible for Foster to pick up where he left off in 2010 and lead the league in rushing once again.

Ultimately, it is doubtful that regaining the title in 2011 is one of Foster's priorities right now. His main concern is getting that hamstring healthy so that he can take the field for the Texans as soon as possible. Anything beyond that would just be icing on the cake.