(Sports Network) - Houston Texans wide receiver Harry Williams underwent surgery on Sunday to repair a fractured vertebra sustained in Friday's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. The procedure was performed by Dr. Drew Dossett, a member of the Cowboys' medical staff, in Dallas. The team said it will update his condition on Monday and they placed him on the injured reserve list.

Williams was carted off the field on a stretcher following a blow to the head early in the first quarter. The injury occurred on the ensuing kickoff after Houston capped the opening drive with a 44-yard field goal by Kris Brown. Williams was attempting to tackle Dallas' Isaiah Stanback when he slid off the runner and collided with teammate Nick Ferguson.

Williams lay face-down on the field and medical personnel immediately called for a stretcher. The game was delayed nearly 10 minutes while they tended to Williams.

Later, he was diagnosed with a fracture of the C3 vertebra.

Williams was originally selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2005 draft. He has appeared in three career games with the Jets and Texans.

To take his roster spot, the team signed fullback Jon Abbate, who was signed by the team as an undrafted free agent in May 2007 and spent last season on injured reserve after breaking his right ankle in an exhibition game. The Texans re-signed him in February and cut him in July.



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