Gary Kubiak: 'Monday game helps Arian Foster'

Gary Kubiak has said that starting the 2013 NFL season with a Monday game will give Arian Foster more time to work on his fitness.

The running back missed the Houston Texans' pre-season with calf and back injuries.

The team's head coach told reporters: "Obviously I don't think Arian is going to be a 30-carry guy opening night without camp.

"He got good work last week. This is going to be a good week for him because we've actually got two extra days that can get us a couple extra padded practices before we start our week. Us opening on Monday should be beneficial to Arian.

"We know Ben [Tate] is ready to go. He's had a great pre-season and between the two of them, we've got to do it well. We obviously have to sit there and have a plan for Arian, being his first time out."

The Texans play the San Diego Chargers in the opening week of the regular season.