Rookie running back Jeremiah Johnson was waived by the Texans to make room for Andre Hall, but it doesn't necessarily mean his tenure in Houston is over. Johnson, who averaged 6.7 yards per carry in four years at Oregon, will revert back to the Texans' injured reserve list if another team doesn't make a claim on him by 3 p.m. CT.
Johnson tried to play through a nagging shoulder injury this offseason. Head coach Gary Kubiak said on Thursday morning that Johnson's shoulder would pop out of place as a result of contact, and Johnson was placed on waivers a few hours later.
"It's disappointing, but his shoulder is popped out and it's something where he can't protect himself," running backs coach Chick Harris said. "You know, a running back is going through contact every practice, and it would be difficult for him to make it and stay on the regular roster (with his shoulder injury), because we need legs."
If Johnson passes through waivers and remains with the Texans, sitting out the 2009 season would give him ample time to rest his shoulder or undergo surgery if it was deemed necessary.
