New Texans WR Bruce Ellington hits ground running

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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. -- Bruce Ellington didn't have a lot of time to get acclimated, hitting the Texans' practice field as soon as he got out of the car for a tryout.

The former San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets wide receiver had a successful audition and was signed to a contract Friday, practicing for the first time Saturday morning.

"It was a little strange at first," Ellington said. "This is the game you played all your life. After you get off the plane, it was a long ride to get here."

Ellington was recently cut by the Jets when he failed a physical after being claimed off waivers by the 49ers. He tore his hamstring last August and missed the entire season.

Ellington is healthy now.

Wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) signed a contract with the Texans on Friday. He was drafted by the 49ers in 2014. Wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) signed a contract with the Texans on Friday. He was drafted by the 49ers in 2014. Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press Photo: Tony Avelar, Associated Press Image 1 of / 87 Caption Close New Texans WR Bruce Ellington hits ground running 1 / 87 Back to Gallery

"Not knowing where you're going is tough," Ellington said. "Everything worked out. It feels good to be back playing football. Just the opportunity to be able to play football, the game that you love that God gave me the ability to play, I'm happy to be doing it."

Ellington has 19 career receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns since being drafted in the fourth round by the 49ers out of South Carolina.

"Just my ability to go out and get open, to be in the slot, to make plays," Ellington said. "To be a playmaker and be accountable out there and rely on the quarterbacks to throw it to you."

Ellington averaged 25.6 yards per kick return and 7.7 yards per punt return with the 49ers. The Texans like that Ellington has speed and experience working in his favor.

"He's played a little bit," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "Had some injuries, but he's played. And when he's played, he's been somebody that we think can fit what we do.

"So, we want to get him in there and get him acclimated as soon as possible (to) see what he can do. He's been in the pros, so maybe it's a different language, but all the plays are about the same. He looked like he was kind of ready to go."