The Houston Texans have terminated the contract of undrafted rookie running back Josh Pitsenberger, waiving him with an injury settlement, the team announced.
The move comes after the Yale product was placed on season-ending injured reserve earlier this month with an ankle injury sustained in the team’s first preseason game.
Pitsenberger signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 8 following the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6-foot, 215-pound back out of Bethesda, Maryland, had been competing for a depth role in a crowded Houston backfield.
In limited preseason action against the Los Angeles Chargers, he recorded nine carries for 33 yards while also contributing on special teams.
The ankle injury, initially described as one that would sideline him for a couple of weeks, led to his placement on injured reserve on August 15. On August 24, the Texans removed him from IR and released him with a settlement.
Reports indicated the injury was expected to keep him out roughly three weeks, allowing the settlement to free up a roster spot while providing Pitsenberger an opportunity to pursue other opportunities once healthy.
Pitsenberger arrives in the professional ranks after a standout career at Yale, where he finished as the program’s second all-time leading rusher with 3,435 yards and 41 touchdowns.
In his senior season in 2025, he rushed for 1,571 yards and 19 touchdowns on 313 carries over 12 games, adding 16 receptions for 128 yards.
The production earned him the Asa S. Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League’s top offensive player, unanimous first-team All-Ivy honors, and recognition as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the top offensive player in FCS football. He also served as team captain.
A four-time All-Ivy selection and the conference’s 2022 Rookie of the Year, Pitsenberger built a reputation as a powerful, between-the-tackles runner with good vision and finishing ability.
His college production and leadership made him one of the more intriguing undrafted free-agent running backs in the 2026 class.
For the Texans, the release is a standard roster and injury management move as the team prepares for the regular season. Houston continues to evaluate its running back depth amid other roster adjustments. Pitsenberger, now a free agent, will look to recover fully and potentially sign elsewhere once eligible.
The decision ends a brief chapter with the Texans for the former Yale star, whose college résumé suggested upside as a developmental contributor.
At this stage of the preseason, such transactions are common as teams finalize 53-man rosters and manage injured players.
