Texans running back Arian Foster practiced Wednesday, leaving coach Gary Kubiak optimistic that he will not miss any additional time because of a hamstring injury. "He's fine. He should be OK heading to the rest of the season now, hopefully," Kubiak said. "He's a hell of a player. We've been missing him in situations in games, but Ben (Tate) has done a hell of a job, too."

The Texans have released running back Steve Slaton. Slaton was a third-round pick in 2008 and was the NFL's top rookie rusher with 1,282 yards. He rushed for 437 yards but fumbled seven times in 2009 and was placed on injured reserve after 11 games. He had neck surgery after that season and never regained his form.

Texans running back and reigning NFL rushing king Arian Foster isn't expected to face the Saints on Sunday afternoon. Foster missed Houston's Week 1 win over Indianapolis with a hamstring injury and played sparingly last week. He practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday, raising hopes that he would be available.

Texans running back Arian Foster will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Saints, according to coach Gary Kubiak. "I'm working, I'm working hard, it feels like it's gone," said Foster, who has yet to play in a game this season because of a hamstring injury. Foster led the NFL in rushing last season. "He's ready to go, if that's what you're asking. We need Arian," Kubiak said, but preached patience in making the best decision for Foster and the team.

Texans running back Arian Foster may be losing his grip on the team's starting job, but he is still preaching patience regarding his hamstring injury. "I'll take it day by day, mainly keeping it more and more healthy until I feel it's 100 percent," Foster said. "I'm a competitor, and I want to play. I want to help this team win ballgames. This is one of those injuries ... you can't push through it. The more you push, the worse it gets. It's just tough for a competitive person." Ben Tate has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the first two weeks. He started Week 1 and filled in for Foster after an early exit in Week 2. "It's going to get healed -- it's only Game 2," Foster said. "I want to be out there with my team, but this team is looking to advance further than we have before. I want to make sure I'm healthy for the right stretch."

The Texans worked out six players on Tuesday, including former first-round pick Vernon Gholston. Gholston, a defensive end, was a disappointment with the Jets.

Texans running back Ben Tate rushed for more than 100 yards for the second straight game on Sunday as Arian Foster continues to deal with a hamstring injury. Tate, who may enter this week's game as Houston's starter if the team remains cautious with Foster, says he prepares as though he is the team's No. 1 rusher. "You know, I tell you guys every week that I prepare like I'm a starter," Tate said. "You never know when someone is going to go down. Arian hurt something and he couldn't go, and I prepare like a starter so I'm always ready." Tate is only the 11th player in NFL history to rush for 100-plus yards in each of his first two games. He suffered a broken fibula and ligament damage to his right ankle during the preseason during his rookie season in 2010. "He's growing up before our eyes," coach Gary Kubiak said. "It's fun to watch. It's fun to watch a good player become a pro."

The status of Texans running back Arian Foster is again in question, according to an ESPN.com report. Foster returned to the lineup Sunday after sitting out Week 1 due to a left hamstring injury. But he left Houston's win over Miami after only 10 carries when he re-aggravated the hamstring. Foster didn't jog with his teammates on Monday and coach Gary Kubiak said the team will evaluate his status Wednesday. "He (Foster) is a little sore today," Kubiak told the FoxSportsHouston.com on Monday. "

Texans coach Gary Kubiak expects running back Arian Foster to play on Sunday against the Dolphins. Foster returned to practice this week after missing the season opener because of a left hamstring injury. "He looks ready to play," Kubiak said after practice Friday. "He's had a good week. I think he'll be fine. As long as there's no setbacks he's ready to go."

Texans running back Arian Foster has returned to practice after missing the season opener because of a hamstring injury. Houston coach Gary Kubiak says everything was "positive" and the key is how Foster feels after practice on Thursday. If Foster is able to play on Sunday at Miami, Kubiak says he wouldn't expect there to be any limitations on his play.