The Texans compensated for lingering injuries to offensive linemen Ephraim Salaam, Fred Weary and Scott Jackson Monday by signing tackle Cliff Washburn.
To make room on the roster, the team released linebacker Marcus Richardson, an undrafted free agent from Troy.
Washburn, 6-5, 293 pounds, is the second tackle to join the Texans in the past four days. The team added Torrin Tucker on Friday.
According to Washburn, the Texans' coaches gave him simple instructions upon signing.
"Just to go out and work hard, just give it all I've got," Washburn said. "Of course, I'm here to make the team, here to play. I'm not here to be (on the) practice squad or anything else. So that's my focus, and I think that's the team's focus."
{QUOTE}At 6-5, 293 pounds, Washburn was a member of the Green Bay Packers this past offseason. He spent the majority of the 2007 season on the Denver Broncos' practice squad. He also has had stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears.
He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2003 after a standout career at the Citadel.
He was working out at home when he received a call from the Texans.
"Yeah, I was a little surprised," he said of the call. "I've just been at home working for a little while, and you know, it was a pleasant surprise to get that call."
The Texans' only healthy tackles right now are rookie first-round pick Duane Brown, Eric Winston, Rashad Butler, Brandon Frye and Tucker.
Salaam underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee last week, while Weary is suffering from a hamstring injury and Jackson has plantar fasciitis.
