The Houston Texans released safety Ed Reed on Tuesday and also placed running back Arian Foster on season-ending injured reserve.
Foster, who has a bulging disk, is scheduled to have back surgery Thursday in Los Angeles The procedure will be performed by Dr. Robert Watkins, a source has told ESPN.com's Tania Ganguli.
The 35-year-old Reed, a nine-time Pro Bowler who was the Texans' prize acquisition of the offseason, said Sunday night after Houston's loss to the Arizona Cardinals that the Texans were "outplayed and outcoached" in certain situations. Reed played only 12 snaps against the Cardinals.
"Eventually they're going to figure out what you're doing if you're doing the same old things," Reed said.
He also acknowledged a drop off in his play.
"I'm held to a high standard because of what I've done in the past, but that was the past," Reed said. "I'm a totally different player now. Even when I did go out there, the ball didn't come my way."
Asked Monday about Reed's criticism, interim coach Wade Phillips said: "Everyone has an opinion. I'll keep mine in house."
Reed seemed to acknowledge his release in a tweet earlier Tuesday before the team's official announcement.
Thanks to the Texans! And the City of Htown!
— Ed Reed (@TwentyER) November 12, 2013
After signing a three-year, $15 million contract (he collected $5.5 million) with the Texans in March, Reed had surgery to repair a torn labrum. He missed all of the Texans' offseason workouts and spent training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
He made his season debut in Week 3 against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, in a 30-9 loss. He had just 16 tackles in seven games and recently lost his starting job.
Reed had been demoted to being used in just dime situations against the Indianapolis Colts two weeks ago. He said it was the first time since his sophomore year in college that he was healthy for a game he did not start. He said he didn't handle the news especially well but was willing to do what was best for the team.
