HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans placed Ahman Green on injured reserve Friday, ending the season for the player signed to be their featured running back.
Green missed Houston's last three games with a left knee injury that's bothered him for months. He rushed for 260 yards on 70 carries this season, less than what the Texans expected when he signed a four-year, $23 million contract in March.
Green rushed for 144 yards in Houston's first two wins, then sprained his knee in the loss to Indianapolis on Sept. 23. He's appeared in only four games since and his best was a 16-carry, 44-yard effort against Jacksonville on Oct. 14.
Houston ranks 23rd in rushing in the NFL, averaging 93 yards. Ron Dayne is the Texans' leading rusher, with 601 yards on 155 carries.
The Texans also moved Shane Boyd up from the practice squad Friday as the No. 2 quarterback Sunday because Matt Schaub is out with a dislocated shoulder. Boyd will back up starter Sage Rosenfels.
Rosenfels will make his third start. He's completed 78 of 123 passes for 914 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He's also thrown seven interceptions.
Boyd is in his second full pro season. The former Kentucky star was cut by Arizona before the season and signed to the Texans practice squad in October. He has yet to play.
Copyright 2007 by the Associated Press
