--RB Marcel Shipp was signed by the Texans. Shipp was released by Arizona on Aug. 4, and will compete for a roster spot behind Ahman Green and Chris Brown.

--OT Cliff Washburn was signed to help provide depth during camp while Ephraim Salaam continues to nurse an injured knee.

--LB Marcus Richardson was waived to make space on the roster for Cliff Washburn.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Anthony Weaver vs. Earl Cochran for DLE spot -- The Texans have an intense battle going on at left end. Weaver has been the starter the past two seasons for the Texans, but he lacks the speed to provide a significant boost in the pass rush and his run defense isn't where it used to be. Cochran is considered one of the hardest workers on the team; he has fought for a roster spot each season. He has played sparingly with the first team in the past two preseason games, but spent quite a bit of practice time with them. The edge still goes to Weaver at this point, but Cochran is making a good push.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Jacoby Jones is competing for the No. 4 receiver position with David Anderson. Jones has struggled in the preseason, especially in securing the ball on punt returns. He and Alex Brink made a mistake on a reverse as well in the second preseason game. Anderson is making few mistakes and has the edge on Jones at this point. ... Jacques Reeves is fighting to keep a hold on the starting job at cornerback. Rookie Antwaun Molden is back from an injury and will likely push Reeves, who had some up-and-down moments in the second preseason game.

ROOKIE REPORT: Rookie RB Steve Slaton had 44 yards on 10 carries against Dallas. ... CB Antwaun Molden had one tackle against Dallas in his second preseason game.

INJURY REPORT:

--WR Andre Johnson played one-and-a-half quarters Friday night, making his first preseason appearance. He had no setbacks in his recovery from a groin strain or the knee injury that caused him to miss most of the offseason.

--RB Ahman Green (groin) will be held out of the final preseason game. He is slated to start the season opener.

--RB Chris Brown (back) missed the last preseason game and will miss the final one against Tampa Bay. He is trying to get his back healthy for the start of the season.

--LG Chester Pitts (ankle) is still rehabbing a tweaked ankle he suffered in the second preseason game. The coaches would like to see him on the field for a limited time Thursday night, but they won't push him if he's not quite ready.

--WR Harry Williams (neck injury) is expected to be placed on injured reserve after fracturing his C-3 vertebra against the Cowboys.