NFL notes: RB Arian Foster will start for Dolphins against Seahawks

Four-time Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster is a starter again.

Foster was listed with the first unit on the Miami Dolphins’ depth chart Monday and will start their opener Sunday in Seattle against the Seahawks less than 11 months after tearing his Achilles tendon while with the Houston Texans.

Signed by Miami in July, Foster rushed for only 5 yards on seven carries in the preseason, but beat out Jay Ajayi for the starting job.

“A little bit of the reason is experience,” coach Adam Gase said. “He had a really good camp. He did everything we asked him to do as far as what we wanted to see in the preseason, and he has been very consistent in his knowledge of the offense in the short period of time that he was here. It was impressive to watch him and how quickly he picked it up.”

Also winning starting jobs were two rookies, first-round pick Laremy Tunsil at left guard and second-round pick Xavien Howard at cornerback. Veteran newcomer Jermon Bushrod will start at right guard.

Foster holds the Texans’ franchise record with 6,472 yards rushing, but injuries have limited him to 25 games in the past three years. He played in just four games last season, averaging 2.6 yards per carry.

Three starters missed practice: center Mike Pouncey (hip), receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring) and linebacker Jelani Jenkins (knee). Jenkins is the most likely to be available Sunday, while Pouncey’s status remains week to week, Gase said.

Eagles hand reins to Wentz

The Carson Wentz Era is now for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The No. 2 overall draft pick will start Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns despite missing the final three preseason games after injuring his ribs in the opener.

“I’m very confident and I’m very excited to get this opportunity,” Wentz said.

Coach Doug Pederson made the announcement two days after the Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Vikings for a 2017 first-round pick and a 2018 conditional fourth-round pick.

“Everybody feels like this kid is ready to go,” Pederson said. “We drafted him to take the reins. It’s something now that we’re prepared to do. He’s such a special guy. This stage is not too big for him.”

Kap’s jersey hot item

Colin Kaepernick’s decision not to stand for the national anthem apparently has made his San Francisco 49ers jersey very popular, no matter why people are buying.

The league’s 33rd best seller on draft day in April, Kaepernick’s jersey has been the seventh best seller in the NFL over the past week and third among quarterbacks behind only behind Cam Newton and Tom Brady, according to DICK’s Sporting Goods Jersey Report.

Around the league

Defensive end J.J. Watt will play in Houston’s season opener against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Watt returned to practice for the first time since back surgery in July and coach Bill O’Brien said after practice that he would play. … Chiefs coach Andy Reid says running back Jamaal Charles is “a stretch” to play in their season opener against the San Diego Chargers following surgery last season to repair the ACL in his right knee. … Joey Bosa, the Chargers top pick who missed 31 days and the preseason because of a contract dispute, didn’t participate in practice. Bosa watched the session with his left leg wrapped and he walked with a slight limp. “He was a little tight today, so we decided to hold him out,” coach Mike McCoy said. … Justin Forsett was re-signed by the Baltimore Ravens, who cut the former Pro Bowl running back on Saturday. … The Titans have signed wide receiver/kick returner Marc Mariani, who returns to the place where he began his career. The Titans also waived wide receiver Tre McBride.