Houston running back Arian Foster(notes) was officially a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, but head coach Gary Kubiak later said that he received a "normal Wednesday load for a starter." So that's a good sign.

The player himself had this to say:

"...you never know with hamstring injuries. They're tricky, man. Sometimes, they'll sneak up on you.

"It felt good (at practice). I was pretty fluid, but you've got to ease along hamstring injuries, like I've been saying. So (I'm) just going to take it day by day and see how it feels."

Foster was full of sunshine last week, too, you'll recall. But he ultimately missed the Texans' opener, while his teammates demolished Indy. Ben Tate(notes) ran wild, carrying 24 times for 116 yards.

Kubiak had more encouraging words about Foster on Thursday, so unless we get bad news on Friday, it looks like Arian has the green light for the Miami game. If Foster plays, expect him to start and receive a healthy workload; Tate figures to have only a cameo role, unless Houston delivers another beating. I doubt there's a buy-low opportunity on Foster right now in competitive leagues (and certainly not in any Brad Evans leagues), but it seems reasonable to kick the tires.

Please enjoy a few additional high-impact injury updates (mostly WRs), while you wait for the Freak Show to begin (in just 26 short hours)...

Hakeem Nicks(notes): Sounds like the swelling in his injured knee is nearly gone, he's hoping to return to practice for individual drills on Friday, and he'll play if he feels like he did today. These are all good signs. It's a Monday game, however, so make sure to have a Plan B — either a Ram, or Domenik Hixon(notes).

Brandon Lloyd(notes): He didn't practice on Thursday due to a groin strain, and Knowshon Moreno(notes) (hamstring) was sidelined, too. Mike Klis of the Denver Post has called these guys "iffy at best" for the Cincinnati game. Eric Decker(notes) and Willis McGahee(notes) would benefit if Lloyd and Moreno sit, but let's not dismiss Mike Zimmer's defense (or overrate the Broncos' offense). Most of you can find stronger starters than Decker and McGahee in a non-bye week.

Steven Jackson: So apparently S-Jax (quad) has not yet ruled himself out for the Monday nighter, but it also sounds like he has no intention of aggravating the injury. It seems doubtful he'll be available. Carnell Williams(notes) is the handcuff, and he took a full workload in Week 1. Jackson says there's only an "outside chance" he might play.

Mike Tolbert(notes): He practiced on Wednesday. Sounds like the Kool-Aid Man is good to go. No reason to fret.

Dez Bryant(notes): No less an authority than Jerry Jones says Dez will play, despite the thigh contusion. So that's good news. Bryant reportedly did not practice Thursday.

Calvin Johnson(notes): Megatron (ankle) was held out on Thursday, but he's already said he expects to play. No reason to panic here.

Stevie Johnson(notes): According to this report, Johnson has had "a nagging groin for a month" (Chan Gailey's words), so he received a day of rest on Thursday. Johnson himself said he expected to practice on Friday, so this situation seems OK.

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