Arian Foster Injury: 5 Best Waiver-Wire Pickups to Replace Hobbled Superstar

I will allow those who took Arian Foster early in their fantasy drafts a moment to scream loudly and kick the cat. Now that you have calmed down, I will inform you that all is not lost. There are plenty of running backs to be had for free. 

As you have no doubt heard, Arian Foster re-injured his hamstring last weekend, and will be monitored by every owner that took a shot on him daily. 

For now, Foster is listed as questionable on ESPN's injury report. John Clayton stated live on ESPN Wednesday that even if Foster plays, he will more than likely split time with Ben Tate. 

Here is the cold hard fact that Foster owners must realize: He is going to have a hamstring issue for the rest of this season. 

His preseason hamstring looked to put him out for a few weeks. It seems he rushed back to soon, only to see it re-injured in week 2. 

Now the Texans will monitor him and ease him back slowly, making him a far less successful fantasy back as he takes on a lighter load. 

The emergence of Ben Tate makes the Texans less likely to bring Foster back before he is ready. All of that means you need to go get your nice little fantasy shopping bag and follow me into the market. 

There is no need to go willy-nilly into a trade. There is still plenty of fine value left on the open market. As always, I will be using Yahoo! Fantasy Leagues to determine which players are available in most leagues. 

Here are five running backs that will get you over the hump until Foster is truly ready to return as the featured back we know he should be. 

5. CJ Spiller

CJ Spiller may have just earned himself a great deal more touches in the Bills' backfield. The Buffalo running back was much more precise and determined with his running against the Raiders. 

He only had four touches but used those to amass 63 yards. The Bills can't keep that kind of production out of the lineup for long. 

4. Cadillac Williams

When shopping in the waiver wire bin, you have to sacrifice something. In Week 3, Cadillac Williams doesn't have the most favorable matchups, as the Rams take on the Baltimore Ravens at home. 

The one thing you are getting from this free running back that is available in 49 percent of leagues is touches. Steven Jackson is questionable as of Wednesday and will be brought along slowly. 

Williams was a delight to see in Week 1, and he has nothing but upside as the Rams will give it to him early and often. For the Rams, Williams remains the only ground weapon they have. 

3. Danny Woodhead

Danny Woodhead remains in the scrap heap for a lot of the leagues. He is only owned in 53 percent of leagues, making him a delightful proposition heading into Week 3. 

The Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills, who are no doubt improved from last year, but still give up far too many yards on the ground. 

I wouldn't put it past Woodhead to garner 10-12 fantasy points, notching a nice blip on an otherwise mediocre season. 

2. Thomas Jones

One of the biggest news items to hit Week 2 was the injury sustained to Jamaal Charles. This puts Thomas Jones in the driver's seat to receive the bulk of the Chiefs' carries. 

With such a well-known loss, Jones has only been taken in 47 percent of leagues. Granted, he is an elder statesman, but will prove worthy of your waiver in Weeks 3 and 4. 

By that time, you may want to look elsewhere, as he will be running out of gas. 

1. Dexter McCluster

No Thomas Jones? No worries. 

McCluster may not get Jones' touches at first, but he is far more versatile a player. McCluster will emerge as the leading back by the time the year is out. 

If you are looking for a fantasy player to net you points for the long term, McCluster is your man. All thanks to Jamaal Charles' injury. Apologies to Charles owners out there.