HOUSTON — Tuesday afternoon, the Houston Texans released veteran running back Phillip Lindsay, as first reported by Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790.
Lindsay’s release came two days after he rushed for negative three yards on his lone attempt during the Texans’ 22-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
“When we looked at the roster, we felt like we did what was best for the team,” coach David Culley said Wednesday morning. “We were top heavy at the position, and we have Scottie [Phillips] coming back at some point. We felt like it was the best decision for us and Phillip to make that move.”
The release of Lindsay — in addition to Phillips still on injured reserve — the Texans will enter their Week 12 match against the 2-8 New York Jets with three running backs on their active roster.
Among the running backs suiting up for the Texans inside NRG Stadium on Sunday is Royce Freeman.
Houston claimed the 25-year-old California native off waivers on Nov. 9, and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly believes Freeman will enhance the Texans’ inefficient run game.
Freeman played eight games as a member of the Carolina Panthers prior to joining the Texans.
“He has good vision and he runs hard,” Kelly said. “When going against our defense, he has done a great job giving them looks. He is smart in how he prepares and I’ve been very impressed with him so far.”
During his short stint with the Texans, Lindsay appeared in 10 games after joining the franchise as a free agent in March.
Lindsay was far from the player that received a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie in 2018, as he rushed for 130 yards on 50 attempts. Lindsay’s lone touchdown of the season came during the Texans’ Week 1 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in September.
