The Houston Texansaren't going to be able to replaceArian Foster with any free-agent pickup. But they did make a smart choice when they picked up the phone Tuesday to give Pierre Thomas a call in response to Foster's serious groin injury.
Thomas visited the Texans on Wednesday, but the two sides were unable to agree on a contract, according to Thomas' agent Lamont Smith.
We've been perplexed all offseason about why Thomas doesn't have a job. Perhaps Texans general manager Rick Smith read all our coverage this summer saying that Thomas was the best running back available on the market.
Thomas is not an every down back, but he's been one of the best passing down options in the league for his entire career. He's especially excellent on screen passes and was effective in 2014 with 4.9 yards-per-carry and 8.4 yards-per-catch. Those are numbers of a player that still has something left.
It's a surprise Thomas didn't get signed during his trip to Houston. He makes sense as a passing down option to pair with Alfred Blue or Chris Polk. Foster is expected to miss half the season on injured reserve with a designation to return, and the Texans will need a lot of role players to step up.
UPDATE: Another possible backfield solution for the Texans: BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Getlin reported Houston has discussed the former Patriot internally. Coach Bill O'Brien is familiar with Green-Ellis from their time in New England.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast features Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo sharing his thoughts on the upcoming season.
