The Texans have placed veteran offensive tackle Rashad Butler on injured reserve, ending his 2011 season.
Coming off a season where he made the first four starts of his NFL career, Butler was signed to a two-year, $3.8 million contract in August. Butler appeared in both of the Texans games this season, but was limited by an elbow injury in Wednesday’s practice.
To replace Butler on the 53-man roster, the Texans have signed Andrew Gardner off the practice squad. Journeyman center Cody Wallace was added to the Texans’ practice squad.