The Houston Texans have concluded their training camp.
The preseason and Week 1 are impeded by sixty minutes of action at Ford Field, as well as a series of roster reductions, as the team prepares for a Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
During joint exercises with the Detroit Lions on Thursday, the Texans concluded their final practice of the preseason. According to coach DeMeco Ryans, the scrimmage was an opportunity to assess the “stacking” of the back-to-back AFC South champions against the NFC No. 1 seed from the previous year.
The starters are not in the majority of the locations, but there is a game scheduled for Saturday morning. They are not even included in the high-profile second-team options, such as wide receiver Xaiver Hutchsinon and defensive end Darrell Taylor, who should be assumed to be guaranteed a spot on the active roster.
No, the focus of Saturday’s game will be limited to a small number of players who may be authorized to join the team or be cut after returning from Detroit. The names to keep an eye on as the final preseason matchup approaches.
Justin Watson, Wide Receiver
The Texans are poised to part ways with one receiver, despite the trade of John Metchie III. Up to this juncture, Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, and Hutchinson should be regarded as locks.
This results in two names remaining on the outside, observing the situation. Braxton Berrios is a promising prospect as a return specialist and a competent No. 4 pass-catcher. Regarding Watson, what is his compelling argument for remaining?
Houston has experienced some of the most bizarre events in its history. Remember the previous season, when Noah Brown was cut despite the consensus that he was a certainty to make the team? Watson will have one more game to demonstrate that he is a standout depth piece with a high potential for special teams, thereby providing him a competitive advantage over Berrios on the outside.
Watson could potentially compel the Texans to retain him if he executes a standout reception or play on a kickoff. Alternatively, he could be traded to a team that requires a receiver.
TE Irv Smith Jr.
Houston has likely secured three tight ends with the entrance of Harrison Bryant. Conversely, it would be analogous to Nick Caserio releasing a player solely to recoup a draft choice that is more valuable.
Smith is not guaranteed a position, even if Bryant is eliminated. Brevin Jordan’s season-ending injury created an opening on the roster; however, the Texans favor newcomer Luke Lachey, who has demonstrated his abilities as a blocker. Smith was instrumental in the Texans’ preseason victory over Carolina last week, recording five receptions for 53 yards.
The former second-round pick is primarily a receiving threat. He is a willing blocker, but his overall stature has certain limitations. Lachey could potentially clear waivers and rejoin the practice squad if he demonstrates additional potential this week.
Jakob Johnson,
Given that Nick Caley’s offense necessitates a fullback, Houston will retain one. However, is British Brooks a superior alternative? Although he is recognized for his physical downhill running style, the former North Carolina star also continues to make plays on special teams, particularly kickoffs, as one of the top tacklers.
Therefore, what does this imply for Johnson? Brooks has been the superior choice in the past two games. In the fourth quarter of the previous week, he secured a victory by scoring a 1-yard touchdown run. The role was changed last week by a kickoff coverage collision against the Vikings. Johnson has yet to experience that “it” moment and has had minimal impact on offense.
It is probable that Houston has sufficient space for five running backs, which includes the fullback. Johnson and Brooks are both technically capable of fulfilling the position; therefore, the player who exhibits the greatest performance on special teams is the most likely to secure a position on the active roster.
DE Solomon Byrd
Bryd has been demonstrating exceptional performance in his limited repetitions, similar to Brooks, which has ensured that the coaches continue to pay attention to him during drills. The second-year defensive end recorded three recorded pressures, four tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss last week.
However, Bryd’s position on the active roster is characterized by his ability to distinguish himself from a veteran. Derek Barnett’s return and complete recuperation render him an absolute certainty for inclusion on the roster. The final position may be decided between Dylan Horton and the former seventh-round decision, with the latter currently having a slight advantage after two preseason games.
In order to guarantee the fifth and final edge rusher position on the depth chart, Byrd will need to have a significant performance. Even after that, the practice squad could have Byrd back on it by Week 2 due to the return of Denico Autry from the injured reserve.
LB Nick Niemann
Niemann was recruited by the Texans due to his exceptional special teams capabilities. Jake Hansen has been the linebacker who has made the most plays on kickoff and punt coverage thus far, which suggests that the former Bolt may be traded this offseason.
Niemann has occasionally demonstrated exceptional performance in exercises; however, second-year linebacker Jamal Hill has also demonstrated his capabilities. One of the two is a more cost-effective alternative, as it provides three years of roster control, while the other could be eliminated with minimal effect. Niemann may be subject to cuts as a result of his contract. Therefore, a successful performance on Saturday could potentially prevent him from receiving the dreaded pink slip.
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