Houston Texans running back Arian Foster returned to practice Wednesday after missing the season opener because of a left hamstring injury.
Coach Gary Kubiak said Foster took the normal repetitions for a starter in the workout.
"I guess the key probably is how he comes out of practice (Thursday)," Kubiak said. "Does he feel good? But everything was positive today at practice, so we'll see."
Kubiak was encouraged by how Foster looked in his return Wednesday.
"I think it's about him getting his confidence back and just cutting it loose," he said. "I just told him to be smart today, but he's on top of his stuff."
Foster was happy to get back on the field after dealing with the injury for so long.
"It felt good," he said. "It was pretty fluid, but you've got to ease along hamstring injuries, so I'm just going to take it day by day and see how I feel."
The Texans are also monitoring the status of RB Derrick Ward, who didn't practice Wednesday because of a sprained right ankle. Foster, who started the season opener, has been wearing a walking boot.
Ben Tate (116 yards rushing last week) will likely carry the load Sunday against the Miami Dolphins if Foster and Ward are out or limited.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
