Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak has hinted that running back Arian Foster will not take part in either of his side's remaining pre-season games.
Foster was removed from the physically unable to perform list earlier today having recovered from a series of injuries that have prevented him taking part in the Texans' training camp so far.
The 26-year-old initially hoped to be fit enough to play in the Texans' opening pre-season match against the Minnesota Vikings on August 9 but he now looks set to miss the entire warm-up campaign.
"I would love to [play him in pre-season] but we're going to be smart," Kubiak is quoted as saying by ESPN.
"Is it a must [that he carry the ball in the pre-season in order] to be ready for San Diego? I don't think so."
The Texans face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday before travelling to Dallas to face the Cowboys in their final warm-up match on August 29.