The Texans signed ex-Chiefs S Bernard Pollard on Thursday. Pollard fills the roster spot of OLG Chester Pitts, who had season-ending knee surgery Wednesday and was placed on injured reserve.

The 6-1, 224-pound Pollard started 31 games in three seasons in Kansas City, but he was released in September. Pollard, 24, is probably best known for hitting Patriots QB Tom Brady low in the 2008 season opener; Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury on the play. Pollard was not fined for the hit, but the NFL altered its rules to prohibit a defender from hitting a quarterback below the knees unless blocked into the passer.

Pollard, a second-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2006, could compete immediately for playing time in the secondary. The Texans' play at strong safety has been a weakness at points this season. Starter Dominique Barber has struggled and is likely to rotate with John Busing this week vs. Jacksonville.