Barring any setbacks, Texans running back Arian Foster is expected to play in Week 2 after practicing for a second consecutive day on Thursday.
Coach Gary Kubiak said Foster looked "much better" in practice than he did on Wednesday, when he returned from an Aug. 27 hamstring injury.
"This was our work day, but he looked good," Kubiak said. "As long as everything's smooth tomorrow, he should be ready to go."
Foster said that he feels the same way, adding that he has confidence in how his hamstring has healed.
"I felt wonderful," he said. "It's more mental than anything getting back from an injury like that, and today I took a huge step forward. It felt good. I bursted when I needed to burst, and without hesitation."
Even though the Texans ran for 167 yards without Foster in Week 1, Kubiak called Foster's impending return for Sunday's game at Miami "huge." Foster led the league in rushing yards (1,616), yards from scrimmage (2,220) and touchdowns (18) in 2010.
"He puts us at our best," Kubiak said. "He's a heck of a player. When he's back there, everybody's pretty darn comfortable from a standpoint of what he can do for our football team. Hopefully, everything goes smooth and he's feeling good tomorrow and we're ready to go and back at full strength."
Running back Derrick Ward, who started for Foster in Week 1, missed Thursday's practice with a sprained ankle. Wide receiver Kevin Walter sat out with an injured collarbone. He rode an exercise bike during practice and was able to move his right shoulder, according to Kubiak.
Ward and Walter are both expected to miss practice on Friday. Kubiak said a decision on their status for Sunday's game probably will be made on Saturday morning. Either veteran could be available to play against the Dolphins without practicing.
