Foster just turned 27 in September, so old age hasn't caught him yet. I think the overuse angle is ...well, overused. Foster is smart about avoiding unnecessary hits and doesn't get smacked head on like most other backs.
Foster is very good and very unique in part because he is a patient runner. He has to wait to see where the hole will open. I think this is partly why Kubiak's offense struggles in short yardage and goalline situations because there isn't time for the RBs to see something develop. Foster's read recognition is simply better to overcome some of these issues.
The tragedy with Foster being out is that Ben Tate has broken ribs. Would have been nice to see a healthy Tate carry the load, especially since this is a contract year for him. If the Texans have to wave goodbye to Tate this offseason because of the burden of Foster's contract, I'd be fine with that. The team brought in four - 4! - seemingly competent backups this offseason to fill in (Karim, Johnson, Wood, and Graham), and I'd bet they could keep this up next year too.
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