The Texans’ decision to place RB Steve Slaton on injured reserve Wednesday was made after the second-year pro went to Dallas to receive a second opinion on his neck injury, according to a league source.

Slaton has been experiencing numbness down his arm and was prescribed 4 to 6 weeks of rest and no football activity, which is expected to correct the problem.

A full recovery by Slaton is expected, with no other procedures necessary. Given how late it is in the season, and with the spiraling Texans needing a full roster to try to make a late playoff push, the decision was made to end his season.

The diagnosis also might shed some light on Slaton’s fumbling problem. He had told some people close to him that his grip on the ball seemed odd, like he couldn’t always feel it properly even though he was carrying it the same way he always had. Slaton, who had no fumbling issues during his rookie season, has fumbled seven times this season — losing five – which led to him losing his starting job last month.

Maybe if Slaton’s nerve problem is alleviated, his fumbling problem might be curbed as well.

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