The Houston Texans released running back Ryan Moats, the team announced Thursday.
A team source said Moats faced an uphill battle to make the Texans' roster, which also has Steve Slaton, Arian Foster, Chris Henry and rookie Ben Tate at running back. According to the source, the Texans hoped that by releasing Moats now, it would increase his chances of catching on elsewhere.
Moats played in 14 games for the Texans last season and started two games after Slaton struggled. Slaton later suffered a season-ending injury.
