Texans sign veteran RB Rex Burkhead

The Texans signed Rex Burkhead, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. The ex-Patriots running back will join fellow newcomers Mark Ingram and Phillip Lindsay in the Texans’ new-look group.

Burkhead, 30, ended the season on IR thanks to a November ACL tear. Before that, he was enjoying another solid season as the Pats’ change-of-pace back. Through 10 games, he collected 274 yards and three touchdowns on 67 carries. He also had 25 receptions for 192 yards and three scores.

The Texans now count seven RBs on their 90-man offseason roster. If Burkhead works to carve out a role, he’ll have plenty of familiar faces around. Texans GM and longtime Patriots exec Nick Caserio has imported lots of players from New England, including offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, wide receiver Donte Moncrief and defensive end Derek Rivers.

David Johnson and Ingram still project to serve as the lead backs, with support from Lindsay. Assuming all three stick, there’s probably only one more RB spot up for grabs in Houston.