A person with direct knowledge of the deal says the Houston Texans have agreed to a new contract with Brown.||||||| The 6-foot-4, 320-pound Brown has started all but four games since the Texans drafted him with the 26th overall pick in 2008. Brown earned Associated Press All-Pro second team honors in 2011 after helping the Texans set a franchise record for yards rushing (2,448).

Brown returned to practice after sustaining a minor injury last week.||||||| Brown hurt his left leg last Wednesday. The starter at left tackle for the past four seasons, Brown took his regular allotment of reps Monday morning.

Brown worked out with his team Tuesday after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on banned substances. "Longest four weeks of my life," Brown said.||||||| Brown, Houston's first-round draft pick in 2008, said he "unknowingly took a supplement tainted with a banned substance." He would not identify the supplement, but acknowledged that he was "naive" for even trying it. The Texans have a bye this week and went through a light morning workout on Tuesday. Coach Gary Kubiak expects Brown to start Houston's next game, at Indianapolis on Nov. 1.

Brown has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing drugs.||||||| Brown said Tuesday he "unknowingly took a supplement tainted with a banned substance." Brown's suspension begins immediately, meaning he will miss the undefeated Texans' showdown Sunday with the Dallas Cowboys. His first game back will be Nov. 1 at Indianapolis. The former first-round pick has the crucial role of protecting the blind side of Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. Brown held his own in a season-opening battle with Colts All-Pro end Dwight Freeney.