The NFL's Houston Texans released three rookies on Monday after a violation of team rules was discovered.

The Houston Chronicle said that the three -- running back Cierre Wood, defensive end Sam Montgomery and outside linebacker Willie Jefferson, violated team rules on Monday in Kansas City where they were preparing for Monday's game against the 7-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Wood, Montgomery and Jefferson were sent home and put into the inactive list.

It was not clear as to what rules were broken as Texans head coach Gary Kubiak remained tight-lipped about the matter. But according to ESPN, marijuana was involved in the incident.

Jefferson's agent, though, denied the charges, saying that the three were only smoking a cigar in the team's hotel.

The rest of the team was disappointed at the rookies' behavior.

“I feel like they wasted a big opportunity,” outside linebacker Brooks Reed said. "It’s crazy and unfortunate because they had a great opportunity here to be successful. They just didn’t get it."

For defensive end Antonio Smith, the three rookies did not measure up to expectations.

“It’s disappointing, because each of them had promise ... Everybody was surprised. It’s a hard hit, especially with what happened in the game. We knew before the game. Coach told us. He always lets us know the decisions he’s going to make... You’ve got to care more about your team.”

The release was particularly painful for Wood who was set to be inserted into the lineup after starting running back Arian Foster aggravated a hamstring injury.

The loss of Foster and Wood was definitely felt in Monday's game as the the Texans fell to the Chiefs, 16-17.

The Texans have lost five straight games after winning their first two. They take a weekend off before facing the Indianapolis Colts at home on Nov 4. The Colts, at 5-2, are coming off a big victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday.

Watch the video about the dismissal of the three rookies below: