Hilliard was added to the the Texans' practice squad on Sunday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Hilliard was released just two days ago by the Texans, but went unclaimed in free agency. The Texans kept four running backs: Alfred Blue, Arian Foster, Jonathan Grimes, and Chris Polk, on the roster. Hilliard, a 2015 seventh-round pick, will now have a year to continue his transition into the league.

The Texans have released Hilliard, the Houston Chronicle reports.

The seventh-rounder figures to land on the Texans' practice squad assuming he is not claimed by another team, with the move leaving the squad's running back depth a little thin for now. That's something we'd expect the Texans to address in the next day or two though, as other team's cut-downs roll in.

Hilliard rushed 18 times for 42 yards and caught four passes (eight targets) for 16 yards in Thursday night's preseason finale against Dallas.

It was a night to get a good, long look at Hilliard and Chris Polk, who are vying for spots on the running-back depth chart. There's room for both due to Arian Foster's groin injury, but neither player figures to have a significant role in Week 1 of the regular season. Hilliard came to town as a short-yardage specialist, but we didn't see much of it in the preseason. Polk had a reputation as a third-down back.

Hilliard carried seven times for three yards in Saturday night's preseason game against Denver. He was also targeted twice, but did not have a reception.

It was mostly second-half work for Hilliard, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2015 draft as a short-yardage / goal-line specialist, but that hasn't translated yet in the first two preseason games. He failed to convert on a 3rd-and-1 on Saturday and was stuffed twice at the goal-line in preseason Week 1.

Hilliard rushed for 39 yards on 13 carries in Saturday night's preseason opener against the 49ers. His night included two cracks from the one-yard line, but he was unable to score.

Hilliard came out of LSU with a reputation as a touchdown maker, but he had other Houston backs were unable to take advantage of multiple chances at the one-yard line. He'll continue to get chances throughout the preseason, but is viewed more as a specialty back and not a lead back.

Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said Hilliard "has improved each of the days that he's been here" after Wednesday's training camp session, the Houston Chronicle reports.

While the Texans formulate a plan to replace Arian Foster, who will miss at least half the season with a groin inury, Hilliard is part of a stable of running backs that will be assessed in the coming weeks. Alfred Blue is expected to be the top running back, but who becomes his backup is something we need to watch. Hilliard is a big back, who may play a role in short-yardage situations -- possibly in the red zone.