The Texans announced Monday that cornerback Phillip Buchanon has been released.
The fifth-year cornerback from Miami was acquired in a trade with the Oakland Raiders prior to the 2005 NFL Draft in exchange for a second- and third-round pick.
"Phillip did everything we asked him to do from day one," head coach Gary Kubiak said. "When Petey Faggins went down, Phillip had the opportunity to become a starting cornerback. Unfortunately, he got hurt and missed most of training camp. Then he got hurt in the first game. He had trouble staying on the field. But we wish him well."
Buchanon, who entered the league as a first-round pick (17 th overall) with the Raiders, started six games with the Texans in 2005.
Faggins' pending return from a broken foot, which occurred early in training camp, will help the Texans compensate for Buchanon's departure.
The move also creates a roster spot that the Texans can use for strongside linebacker Kailee Wong, who has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list because of a knee injury he suffered at Seattle on Oct. 16, 2005. Kubiak said Monday that he expects Faggins and Wong to return to practice full speed on Wednesday.
Buchanon returned punts and filled in at cornerback yesterday at Dallas when
Dunta Robinson left the game because of cramps. Buchanon totaled 43 yards on two
returns.
