The Texans were awarded veteran linebacker Eric Wilson off waivers Thursday from the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
Wilson, 27, had lost his starting job with the Eagles after signing a one-year, $2.75 million contract last offseason after a previous successful stint with the Minnesota Vikings after going undrafted out of Cincinnati.
Wilson was losing playing time to second-year linebacker Davion Taylor, the Eagles' third-round draft pick last year.
Wilson was a healthy scratch against the Detroit Lions and was cut Wednesday one day after the NFL trade deadline. He started two games and had played 56 percent of the defensive snaps with 43 tackles and one for a loss and one interception in seven games this season.
For the Vikings, Wilson recorded 234 tackles, 18 for losses and eight sacks with four interceptions.
He had a career-high 122 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions last season for the Vikings.
The Texans are dealing with injuries and illness at linebacker. Christian Kirksey, the defensive signal caller, hasn't practiced in two days due to a thumb injury that he's playing through with a protective club and has said he'll keep playing with.
Promoted from the practice squad, Hardy Nickerson is in the NFL concussion protocol.
Kevin Pierre-Louis is dealing with an illness, but practiced on a limited basis Thursday.
The Texans can also go with Zach Cunnningham and Neville Hewitt at linebacker Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
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