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We learned Tuesday that the Texans will be without running back Arian Foster for some time after suffering a groin injury that will require surgery and now we’re getting an idea of just how long he will be out.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that Foster will be placed on injured reserve with the designation to return before the start of the regular season. Foster would not be eligible to play for the first eight weeks of the season in that event, although he can resume practicing with the team after six weeks if he’s healthy enough. The Texans have a bye in Week Nine, which would give Foster an additional week to prepare for his return without extending his stay on the list.

McClain reports that Foster will have his surgery on Friday in Philadelphia with Dr. William Meyers, who has been the go-to doctor for sports hernia surgeries in recent years.

The Texans and Pierre Thomas weren’t able to come to terms on a contract after a Wednesday visit and coach Bill O’Brien said, via ESPN.com, the team is looking for “someone that can do a little bit of everything” to help fill in for Foster. Alfred Blue, Chris Polk, Jonathan Grimes and Kenny Hilliard are the in-house options.