Football - Buchanon Released

The Texans released cornerback Phillip Buchanon has been released by on Monday, ending this way his injury-filled and lackluster stay in Houston. Buchanon was a first-round selection in the 2002 draft. He was traded to Houston from Oakland before last season in exchange for second- and third-round picks in the 2006 draft.

Buchanon rarely played on defense this season because he suffered from a long list of minor injuries which included a sprained ankle and bruised ribs. Besides he did not make a tackle until this week’s game. He had two tackle while briefly filling in for Dunta Robinson, who was having cramps. Buchanon had very limited action returning punts and kicks, with eight punt returns for 79 yards and five kick returns for 106 yards.

Already his first season in Houston was ended after 10 games. He was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain ending his season. But even before the injury he failed to make an impact. Despite 29 tackles and defended four passes, he too often missed tackles and did not cover well. He started this season as a starter, but was soon replaced for poor play.

Coach Gary Kubiak was expecting that Buchanon would step up when DeMarcus Faggins fractured his foot in training camp. The player had an opportunity to become a starting cornerback. Unfortunately, he got injured and missed most of training camp. Eventually he got hurt in the first game.

Buchanon was traded from Oakland after having 50 tackles and three interceptions in 2004. He had 11 interceptions in his three years in Oakland, including four of which he returned for touchdowns. However he did not have any interceptions with the Texans. In addition to his sporting performance he was also known to have a reputation of a drama queen.

The release of Buchanon makes some room on a roster for linebacker Kailee Wong. The latter was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list recovering from knee surgery.