The future of Texans four-time Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster remains unresolved with his status with the team uncertain due to his recent injury history and a hefty salary-cap figure.

What the Texans have to weigh is Foster’s durability coming off an injury-plagued season where he first underwent groin surgery and then tore his Achilles tendon, and his $8.925 million salary-cap figure.

“Well, we’ll have to see how healthy he is,” Texans owner Bob McNair said. “But until we know that, there’s really not much you can think about.”

Scheduled to make a $6.5 million nonguaranteed base salary next season along with a $500,000 roster bonus to be paid at a $31,250 rate per game active, Foster is entering the final year of a five-year, $43.5 million contract.

The Texans could attempt to restructure the deal to lower his salary-cap figure, or they could move on and release Foster prior to the start of free agency in March. Foster turns 30 in August, an age when many NFL running backs begin to decline. Multiple sources not authorized to speak publicly expect the Texans to ultimately release Foster and for him to sign with another NFL team.

Foster is expected to attempt to try to resurrect his NFL career next season and has made steady progress in his recovery from the Achilles surgery. Injured in October, Foster faces six to nine months of recovery time, according to Dr. Ken Jung, a foot and ankle surgeon at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles who doesn’t treat Foster.

“Achilles ruptures are repaired by suturing the tendon ends together,”Jung said. “Typically, the torn ends are repaired directly together. Supplemental grafts may be used to supplement the repair, depending on the quality of the tissue.

“Rehabilitation includes healing time for the tendon as well as recovery of muscle strength. Expected recovery would be six to 12 months. A full recovery would be expected. Full explosiveness and strength may take nine to 12 months.”

Foster was limited to four games this season, gaining just 163 yards and scoring one touchdown with 22 receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns. He was just starting to regain his old form when he injured his Achilles against the Miami Dolphins. Foster is the Texans’ all-time rushing leader with 6,472 yards and 54 touchdowns.

Asked about Foster’s legacy, which includes scoring 88 total touchdowns as the franchise leader, Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph said: “I think it will be right there at the top. He’s done something I’ve never seen many backs do. He’s had great years here. I’m sure he’ll bounce back and be his same self and get back to form.”

aaron.wilson@chron.com

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