The NFL announced today that running backs Arian Foster of the Houston Texans, Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears and Ryan Torain of the Washington Redskins are the finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week.
Fans can vote for Foster at NFL.com/FedEx from 8 a.m. CT on Tuesday through 2 p.m. CT on Friday to determine the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week. The winner will be announced Friday on NFL Total Access on NFL Network and on NFL.com.
Foster had 30 carries for 155 yards and a touchdown in the Texans' 17-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He scored the game-winning touchdown on a 42-yard run in the fourth quarter. The 2010 NFL rushing leader missed two of the first three games with a hamstring injury but carried a full load on Sunday after Ben Tate suffered a groin injury in the first quarter.
Chicago's Forte had more rushing yards (202) this week, but Foster's big day came against tougher competition. His rushing total was the highest by any player since 2003 against Pittsburgh, which has had a top-three rushing defense in each of the last seven seasons.
Foster is the second Texans player to be nominated for the FedEx Ground award this season. Tate received a nomination after rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the Colts.
As part of the Air & Ground program, FedEx will support education efforts at Junior Achievement by making weekly $2,000 donations in each of the winning players' names. The funding, allocated to local Junior Achievement area offices in that team's city or state, is used to help U.S. small business development by educating the next generation of entrepreneurs on how to start and grow their own businesses.
A closer look at the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week finalists:
• Chicago's MATT FORTE carried 25 times for 205 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 34-29 win over the Carolina Panthers. His yardage output was the highest of any back on the weekend.
• Houston's ARIAN FOSTER tallied 155 yards and one touchdown on 30 carries in the Texans' 17-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Washington's RYAN TORAIN had 135 yards and a score on 19 carries in the Redskins' 17-10 win over the St. Louis Rams.
