[Arky]

Cut by Texans, Louis Nix claimed by Giants, Kourtnei Brown to Buccaneers, Ferentz to Broncos.

Cut by the Texans, nose tackle Louis Nix III was awarded to the New York Giants off waivers.

Meanwhile, outside linebacker Kourtnei Brown was awarded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers off waivers and center-guard James Ferentz to the Denver Broncos.

A former third-round draft pick, Nix was cut by the Texans this year after spending his entire rookie season on injured reserve with wrist and knee issues.

Nix was beaten out for a roster spot by former Rice defensive lineman Christian Covington.

Nix is entering the second year of a four-year, $2.85 million contract that includes a $575,272 signing bonus

A former blue-chip recruit from Jacksonville, Fla., who chose Notre Dame over Miami, Florida State and Florida, Nix had 50 tackles, 7 ½ for losses and two sacks in 2012 before his senior year was cut short in 2013 due to a torn meniscus in his knee that required arthroscopic surgery. Nix ran the 40-yard dash in 5.42 seconds at the NFL scouting combine and only had a 25 ½ inch vertical leap and an 8-1 broad jump.

Brown, cut previously by the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams, was on the Texans’ practice squad last year and signed to a reserve-future deal.

Brown led the Texans with three preseason sacks and also returned an interception for a touchdown. However, he had some key breakdowns as a run-stopper and allowed long outside runs with at least one for a touchdown against the Saints.

Ferentz is the son of highly-respected Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. The Texans had wanted to add him to their practice squad.

Meanwhile, outside linebackers Lynden Trail (quadriceps) and Tony Washington (chest) cleared waivers and are now on the Texans’ injured reserve list.

Wide receiver and return specialist Chandler Worthy has joined the Texans’ practice squad list, as will running back Kenny Hilliard and several other players cut by the Texans who have cleared waivers.

The Texans are also expected to sign safeties Kurtis Drummond and Corey Moore to the practice squad.

aaron.wilson@chron.com