"After evaluating Larry Johnson for the last two days, the Texans have decided not to pursue the free agent running back.

Johnson, who turns 30 next week, was placed on waivers by Kansas City on Monday, the day he returned from a two-week suspension for using anti-gay slurs and for criticizing Chiefs coach Todd Haley.

Johnson, who also was suspended in 2008, cleared waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Texans were considering Johnson because they're trying to improve a disappointing running game that ranks 27th with an average of 90.8 yards a game.

The Texans evaluated running back Edgerrin James last week after Seattle released him. They ruled out James and now Johnson, which means they're sticking with Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats and Chris Brown.

"We took all the factors into consideration — football, off-the-field issues, and we determined that it wasn't a good fit for us at this time," general manager Rick Smith said. "We've got confidence in our backs. When we come back from our open date, we expect big things out of them." "