The 37-year-old Green was sidelined for more than half of last season for the Kansas City Chiefs after sustaining a concussion in the opener.

The Dolphins had the ball at the Texans 25-yard line when Green tried to pitch the ball to Ted Ginn Jr. The rookie fumbled, then picked the ball up and reversed field as the defense chased him.

Texans defensive tackle Travis Johnson hit Green in the head with his knee before Ginn was tackled by Anthony Weaver. After the play ended, Johnson stood over Green and taunted him, drawing a 15-yard penalty.

Green lay still for several seconds as medical staff rushed to check on him. The Dolphins gathered near midfield and kneeled to pray a few feet away.

Green was strapped to a stretcher and carted off as both teams crowded around him. He was moving his arms on the field.

Green was acquired by the Dolphins in June.

It was the second serious injury in the last two games at Reliant Stadium. Two weeks ago, Houston defensive tackle Cedric Killings was taken off the field on a stretcher after getting hit on a special teams play.