Andre Brown

On Monday, the Houston Texans released running backs Andre Brown and Dennis Johnson. They signed former San Diego Charger Ronnie Brown and former Arizona Cardinal William Powell.

Fantasy Impact

While he didn’t play in the first preseason game against the Cardinals, releasing Brown comes as a surprise. Texans writer Tania Ganguli on ESPN.com reports Head Coach Bill O’Brien said “It’s a competitive position”. Jonathon Grimes is the assumed incumbent for next week's game against Atlanta but the competition seems to be wide open.

In the offseason, the Texans signed former New York Giants running back Andre Brown in an attempt to find a “suitable replacement for Ben Tate”. With Arian Foster nursing an “undisclosed” injury, Brown has been taking reps with the first team offense.

Fantasy Impact

Brown was an effective fantasy option last season after returning in Week 9 from a broken leg he suffered in preseason. But, Brown has had injury trouble in the past. He spent his rookie season on IR and has broken the same leg twice (in 2012 and 2013). It’s worth noting that Brown is only signed to a one-year contract and that as early as June, Head Coach Bill O’Brien called Brown a two down back. However, for now, Brown seems like the back to target if Foster misses time.