Texans release Reed; Foster on IR
HOUSTON -- Houston Texans safety Ed Reed was released after criticizing the coaching staff following Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Tuesday.
The Texans also announced they placed running back Arian Foster on injured reserve, two days after learning he would miss the rest of the season because his ailing back required surgery.
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle first reported Reed's release.
Reed, 35, was demoted and replaced by Shiloh Keo in the last two losses to the Indianapolis Colts and Cardinals. He was in on 12 plays Sunday.
Following Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Cardinals, Reed said the Texans were "outplayed" and "outcoached."
On Monday, interim coach Wade Phillips, who made the decision to demote Reed, said he preferred to keep his reaction to Reed's criticism "in house."
The Texans signed Reed for a three-year, $15 million dollar deal, including a $2 million signing bonus and $5 million guaranteed. He had a $1 million base salary this year. The team is not responsible for any more money to Reed but his contract will still affect the salary cap in 2014 and 2015, McClain reported.
Before Reed suited up for the Texans, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his hip. He missed camp and preseason and the first two games -- victories over the San Diego Chargers and Tennessee Titans.
Reed, if claimed, would cost a new team $411,000 in base salary.
"None of us are bigger than the team, not even your superstars," Reed said after Sunday's game. "I'm good with everything. As a competitor, the player that I am, yeah, that was some frustration for a second. At the same time, there's an understanding where I'm at and what are we trying to accomplish."
Foster missed practice last Thursday and Friday and was ruled out for Sunday's game because of a lumbar issue in his back,
Foster rushed for 1,424 yards last season and has 542 yards in eight games this year.
The Texans received good news about head coach Gary Kubiak's return.
Kubiak is expected to coach on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Kubiak, who suffered a mini-stroke at halftime of the game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 3, made an appearance at practice last Thursday and came to the office on Friday. Kubiak worked half a day on Monday, and should be on the practice field Wednesday.
