Arian Foster
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) rushes during the second quarter as Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) attempts to make a tackle at NRG Stadium, Dec. 21, 2014, in Houston, Texas. Reuters/Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Arian Foster rejoined team practice for the first time since going under the knife for a groin injury. The star running back, however, is not expected to join the Texans in their Week 2 game against the Carolina Panthers.

“We are slowly incorporating him back into practice. I wouldn't expect him this week but you never know,” Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said to the Houston Chronicle.

Before the opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which the Texans lost, 27-20, the 29-year-old Foster stated that he is making “a lot of progress” in the rehabilitation process and that he is “ahead of schedule.”

Foster, who made the NFL Pro Bowl squad four times in his career, from 2010 to 2012 and 2014, and became a member of the NFL First-Team All-Pro in 2010, is considered one of the best running backs in the league. Before the season started, the initial diagnosis was that Foster will miss up to four weeks of the regular season.

Foster, who was the team’s leading rusher the past few seasons, was sorely missed in the loss to the Chiefs as the Texans produced just 98 rushing yards on 21 carries with no touchdowns for the entire game. RB Alfred Blue had 42 yards on 9 carries.

Foster, who has played all of his six NFL seasons with the Texans, had 1,246 rushing yards on 260 carries with 8 touchdowns in 13 games last season.

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