NFL suspended P Brett Hartmann four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Hartmann did well to keep his violation under wraps because it apparently occurred late last season. He will be eligible to play in Week 4, as one of the games for which Hartmann was banned was the Texans' playoff loss to the Ravens. Hartmann is also recovering from a torn left ACL, suffered in December. The Texans will have to open the season with another punter.

Texans P Brett Hartmann has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, ending his season. Hartmann suffered the injury in Sunday's win. An undrafted rookie, Hartmann's net punting average of 37.8 was just 22nd in the league. The Texans will work out potential replacements Tuesday.

Texans P Brett Hartmann was forced from Sunday's game late in the fourth quarter with a left leg injury. Hartmann was down on the ground for several minutes, requiring attention from a three members of the medical staff. He had to helped off, grimacing in obvious pain and hobbling without much pressure on his leg.

Texans re-signed P Brett Hartmann and released P Brad Maynard. On second thought, the Texans are going young at the position. Hartmann, an undrafted rookie from Central Michigan, boomed seven punts for 299 yards (42.7 average) in the preseason. Maynard was much worse with a 38.5 average and forgettable 34.4 net on 11 tries. And he was 13 years older.

Texans waived P Brett Hartmann. Brad Maynard will be Houston's punter this season. Hartmann is an undrafted rookie from Central Michigan, where he was the Chippewas' punter for three years.