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The Ravens signed running back Stephen Houston Wednesday, helping to alleviate the workload on the running backs in training camp.

Baltimore is already down two running backs in practices as Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot) is on the physically unable to perform list and rookie fourth-round pick Kenneth Dixon tweaked his knee in one of the first practices. They also let go of Trent Richardson, who couldn’t get on the field because of a knee injury.

“We just couldn’t wait any longer,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “We need the running back. We need the bodies out there practicing.”

Houston is a former undrafted rookie out of Indiana. He spent time with the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers last year in training camp.

In four preseason games, he had seven carries for 21 yards and one catch for 13 yards. He was released by the Patriots after he lost a fumble in his first preseason game.

Houston ran for 2,304 yards and 25 touchdowns in three seasons at Indiana. He was a three-year starter.

The Ravens released punter Michael Palardy to make room on the 90-man roster, which means Sam Koch will take on the full load of punts during practice.