The Texans have signed veteran running back Ronnie Brown, reports the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain (via Twitter). The team completely turned over their running back depth today, adding William Powell and cutting ties with Andre Brown, Dennis Johnson and Tim Cornett.
The 32-year-old hasn’t topped 100 carries since 2010, when he ran for 734 yards and five touchdowns with the Dolphins. Since then, Brown has been primarily a back-up with the Eagles and Chargers. He appeared in all 16 games last season for San Diego, compiling 157 yards and one touchdown. He caught only eight passes, but he had 49 receptions in a limited role for the Chargers in 2012.
Brown and Powell (along with veteran Brian Leonard) worked out for the Texans earlier today. As McClain notes in another tweet, Brown and Powell will certainly have an opportunity to be Arian Foster‘s primary backup. They’ll be competing with former undrafted free agent Jonathan Grimes and sixth-round pick Alfred Blue.