When Andre Brown signed with the Houston Texansin early April, the assumption was the former Giants running back would be the primary complement to Arian Foster.
After Brown was left out of the backfield rotation in the preseason opener, it now appears that his roster spot is in jeopardy.
Coach Bill O'Brien said Monday that Brown is battling, but running back is a "tough spot" to get playing time.
Per O'Brien, the plan was for Brown to play behind Jonathan Grimes, Alfred Blue and Dennis Johnson versus the Cardinals. That's not exactly the 1950s Los Angeles Rams' Bull Elephant backfield.
Brown didn't get on the field because the Texans ran so few offensive plays in a blowout loss.
"It is what it is," Brown said Monday, via CSN Houston. "Whatever happens, happens."
The Texans like the way Blue has progressed as a sixth-round rookie. The pecking order suggests Grimes is second on the depth chart, leaving an early-down back like Brown without a role.
With Foster expected to return from a hamstring injury this week, the practice reps will be few and far between for Brown. The tea leaves suggest the roster bubble is about to pop.
UPDATE: NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Texanshave cut Brown, according to a source informed of the move. Earlier on Monday, the team worked out three running backs, per John McClain of The Houston Chronicle: Brian Leonard, Ronnie Brown and William Powell.
*The latest Around The League Podcast answers every question about preseason action that you were too afraid to ask. *
