Houston, TX -- (Sports Network) - Running back Chris Brown, who was expected to compete for a starting job with the Houston Texans this season, was placed on season-ending injured reserve as the team trimmed its roster to the 53-man limit on Saturday.

Brown, a former 1,000-yard rusher with the Tennessee Titans, was signed as a free agent in the offseason and tabbed to compete with Ahman Green, Chris Taylor, and rookie Steve Slaton for backfield duties. But Brown was limited to eight carries in the preseason due to back problems, and wasn't deemed healthy enough to occupy a spot on Houston's active roster.

As previously reported, on Friday the team released fullback Jon Abbate, quarterback Shayne Boyd, quarterback Alex Brink, linebacker Kevin Coley, defensive end Rosevelt Colvin, safety Glenn Earl, center Greg Eslinger, receiver Darnell Jenkins, tight end Ryan Krause, defensive tackle Gabe Long, defensive tackle Anthony Maddox, receiver LeRon McCoy, linebacker Ben Moffitt, defensive end Jesse Nading, cornerback Derrick Roberson, running back Marcel Shipp, receiver Mark Simmons, tackle Torrin Tucker, running back Darius Walker, and cornerback Dexter Wynn.

The Texans will open the regular season on Sept. 7, when they travel to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers.