HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans released running back Samkon Gado and signed Adimchinobe Echemandu from the practice squad to fill his roster spot on Tuesday.
The Texans running game has languished this season with Gado and Ron Dayne unable to carry the load while Ahman Green has been slowed by a knee injury. Houston is averaging less than 76 yards rushing a game, second lowest in the NFL.
Gado, who was traded to Houston from Green Bay early last season for Vernand Morency, has appeared in three games this season with 18 carries for 46 yards. As a rookie in 2005, Gado was the feel-good story of the Packers' 4-12 season. Injuries to Green Bay's backfield pushed the undrafted free agent from the practice squad to a starting role. He started five games and ran for 582 yards and six touchdowns.
Gado wasn't able to regain that magic in Houston and had just 210 yards rushing and one touchdown in 2006.
Echemandu, a seventh round pick in 2004 by Cleveland, was signed to Houston's practice squad Oct. 10. The 5-foot-10, 225-pound player also spent time with Oakland and Minnesota, but hasn't had a carry since he had eight carries for 25 yards as a rookie for the Browns.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
