Arian Foster's season is done.
The Houston Texans running back will undergo surgery either Wednesday or Thursday, and he'll miss the rest of the 2013 season with a back injury, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, according to two sources informed of the situation.
Foster is battling a lumbar spine issue and hoped to avoid surgery, Rapoport reported Friday. However, after seeking out several specialists, it was determined Foster needed surgery.
The Texans are expected to announce Monday that Foster will be put on the Injured Reserve list.
It's another blow in a season of disappointments for the 2-6 Texans, who already are counting on undrafted second-year quarterback Case Keenum to help salvage their season.
Foster battled a back injury in the preseason and more recently a hamstring injury. He hadn't missed a game, but the three-time All-Pro rarely looked like himself most of the season. He had just three games with at least 80 yards rushing.
Ben Tate, who is playing through four cracked ribs, will carry the load with Foster out. It will be Tate's chance to show he can handle the workload prior to hitting free agency. Rookie running back Dennis Johnson showed flashes in Week 9 against the Colts and should spell Tate.
UPDATE:The Texansannounced Tuesday that Foster has been placed on injured reserve.
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