The Texans hoped to get D'Onta Foreman healthy in time for the regular season opener but placed him on the PUP list on Saturday.
According to head coach Bill O'Brien, the second-year running back needs the extra six weeks to work his way back from last year's season-ending Achilles surgery.
"No question," O'Brien said Monday. "Absolutely."
Players placed on the PUP list may not practice or play for the first six weeks of the season. If the player returns to practice, the team has three weeks to decide whether to place him on the active roster or place him on the injured reserve list.
On Sunday, the Texans claimed former Miami Dolphin Buddy Howell off waivers. The 6-1, 225-pound rookie from Florida Atlantic University scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) in the first quarter of Miami's fourth preseason game.
"Good size, first, second-down back," O'Brien said. "Liked what we saw on film and on offense and on special teams so we took a shot and we'll see how it goes."
The Texans currently have four running backs on the active roster: Lamar Miller, Alfred Blue, Tyler Ervin and Howell.
