The Texans have signed offensive tackle Ryan Harris, a fifth-year veteran who started 34 games with the Denver Broncos.
Harris (6-5, 300) was released by the Broncos on Friday. He was a third-round draft pick out of Notre Dame in 2007, when Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison was Denver's offensive coordinator. Dennison coached Harris for four seasons, during which time Harris played right and left tackle.
The 27-year-old Harris was hampered by a back injury in 2007, shoulder and toe injuries in 2009 and an ankle injury in 2010. He started 16 games in 2008, eight in 2009 and 10 in 2010. He was not on an NFL roster last season until the Broncos signed him on Jan. 2 for the playoffs. The Texans lost Rashad Butler, their backup left and right tackle, to a season-ending triceps injury in their Aug. 30 preseason finale. Butler had lost a tight competition with second-year pro Derek Newton for the starting right tackle job. Harris joins third-year pro Andrew Gardner as depth behind Newton and left tackle Duane Brown.
With the signing of Harris, the Texans now have reached the NFL limit of 53 players on their active roster. They have one spot open on their practice squad.
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