That means nothing this season, though. And Brown is well aware of that. Another season is about to get under way and the 27-year-old must prove that he still belongs on the field.

"Being on a new team, you've got to go out and prove you belong," said Brown, who spent the past five seasons with the Tennessee Titans. "As a veteran, you've got to prove you belong and you still have it."

Saturday against the Saints, Brown got his first opportunity to start making his case. After missing a week of practice because of back spasms, Brown was held out of last week's game against the Broncos.

With Ahman Green out because of a strained groin, Brown spent most of the first two quarters running with the first team. He finished with eight carries for 19 yards. He will likely be a significant part of the game plan in week three against the Dallas Cowboys as well. The starters are expected to play the first three quarters.

Brown passed the first test last weekend by simply making through almost an entire half without having to leave with an injury. He has said ever since returning from the back injury, it hasn't bothered him at all.

That is all good news for the Texans, who sought Brown out as a player capable of starting at least a handful of games for them this year.

With three inexperienced running backs behind Brown pushing for playing time and carries, the Texans must figure out if their two veterans are capable of being their heaviest lifters.

The Texans look forward to seeing how Brown fares in the upcoming weeks.

"I'd like to see his toughness to stay in there," running backs coach Chick Harris said, "And what kind of conditioning he's in. I want to see his reading of the schemes, his understanding of what he's learned through the OTAs and training camp.

"I hope we see the type of veteran we expect him to be - a guy who can come in and be a starter at any time. Smart enough to not break any assignments and tough enough to just be able to carry the team."

CAMP CALENDAR: Camp is closed.