Houston Texans Running Back Tyler Ervin Out for the Season
Houston Texans kick and punt returner Tyler Ervin is done for the year.
The team has announced that they are placing Ervin on the injured reserve list with a torn patellar tendon. The second-year pro went under the knife earlier this week to fix the damage and he will be out for months while he recovers from the surgery.
The team signed free agent defensive back Marcus Cromartie to fill the open roster spot.
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Ervin went down with the injury in the first quarter of their 57–14 victory over the Tennessee Titans last Sunday, and he was taken off the field with an air cast on his right leg. It didn't take long for the Texans to realize that he suffered a torn patellar tendon on the play and his season was basically over.
"Every time a guy goes down like that, it's tough. Tyler's a great kid. He worked very hard to do what we were asking him to do, very conscientious guy. I saw him in the training room right before he went in for his surgery," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said, via the Houston Chronicle.
"He was in good spirits. He's a very professional guy, very even-keeled guy, very smart guy. He'll be back. It's always tough to see a guy like him go down, tough to see with a guy like that go down," he added.
Ervin will finish the season with 60 yards on eight punt returns and 93 yards on five kick returns. The running back also posted eight catches for 38 yards and he rushed for 12 yards on four carries.
He has served as the team's primary kick and punt returner since last season, and his versatility allows him to play wide receiver as well.
The Texans will have to find someone to take over the return duties before they take on the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.
