Arian Foster says his left hamstring, which he injured early in training camp and aggravated during a preseason game Saturday, is getting better, and he's optimistic that he will play next Sunday versus Indianapolis.
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said he is "hoping" Foster plays in that game.
But in the wake of a tweet from Foster showing the MRI of his hamstring, at least one person with a fairly knowledgeable opinion doesn't think Foster will be healthy by week one.
"The MRI scan tweeted by Foster demonstrates considerable muscle damage with bleeding and swelling," ESPN sports medicine expert Michael Kaplan said Wednesday. "Treatment is conservative. Rest, physical therapy with stretching and ultrasound, and anti-inflammatory medicine will be employed. Foster will use a gradual strengthening program when he's ready. A return to the field would not be expected before three to four weeks. Premature exertion risks re-tear and longer convalescence."

Fantasy Analysis:

First of all, it's pretty neat to see a player's MRI. Even if most of us don't know what to make of it, I just thought it was interesting.
Secondly, this is just an opinion of one doctor. On the other hand, it is an opinion of a doctor, so his opinion should matter. We'll see how much Foster practices next week, at which time we should have a much better idea on his availability for that Colts game. For those of you who haven't drafted yet -- me included -- it seems like all of the top picks -- Foster, Peterson, Johnson, Charles -- have pretty large questions surrounding them. At this point, I think Charles has the most upside while Peterson is the safest pick. Foster has the biggest injury concern, and we don't know when Johnson will play this season, if ever.
If you are going to select Foster, make sure to get your hands on Ben Tate . Or Derrick Ward . Or both.