Now comes the hardest part of the offseason: roster cutdowns.
The Houston Texans will have several difficult calls to make that could come back to hurt their chances of going on a run to the postseason. There’s also a slew of positions where a cut might have to happen just to save space at other areas that remain positions of need.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters on Monday morning that a majority of the roster cuts will happen on Tuesday. Some could come on Monday evening, but both he and DeMeco Ryans want to feel content with every position before jumping to conclusions.
“The one thing I will say is, it’s tough this year, probably the toughest that it will be and has been for myself because I feel like our team is a very competitive team,” Ryans said. “We got a lot of really great depth, a lot of great guys that you want to keep around. Most of the discussions lie in how can you try to keep as many guys as possible? Not who you’re getting rid of, but how can you keep these guys around? That’s the tough part about it. It’s trying to keep more not, per se, who you’re getting rid of.”
Texans Wire will be tracking all of Houston’s roster moves in the coming days, from cuts and injury designations to trades and rumors.
Houston Texans roster cuts tracker
Waived (16)
Released (12)
PUP List (3)
TRADE (1)
Commissioner Exempt/Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (1)
Reserve/Non-Football Injury list (2)
Reserve/Injured (Designated for Return) list (1)
Reserve/Injured (Not Designated for Return) list (2)
British Brooks Back
Running back British Brooks, who was considered a bubble option to make the active roster, will remain on staff for another season, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander. Brooks has been one of the Texans’ best special-teams player, and can back up at running back and potentially fullback.
Last season, Brooks impressed on special teams before suffering a season-ending injury as a rookie. He was also responsible for two big hits on special teams in the preseason, including one on Saturday in the finale against the Lions.
In a corresponding move, the Texans have cut fullback Jakob Johnson. Johnson is expected to be brought back on the practice squad should he clear waivers.
Deculus Dealt
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Texans are trading offensive tackle Austin Deculus to the Chargers for a conditional 2027 7th-round pick. Deculus was expected to compete for a roster spot with the news of a Cam Robinson trade, but instead, he’ll compete for reps at right tackle in Los Angeles.
Goodbye Mr. Jackson
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans have released rookie wide receiver Daniel Jackson. The Minnesota product is a good candidate for the practice squad who caught a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the final preseason game.
Ross & Arnette Out
According to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander, the Texans are cutting both defensive backs D’Angelo Ross and Damon Arnette. Neither is expected to return to the practice squad after their release.
Ross was a regular on special teams last season, but struggled when asked to play on defense during the preseason. On Saturday, he gave up the lone Lions’ touchdown on a 33-yard touchdown reception from Kyle Allen to Issac TeSlaa.
Trent Brown done in H-Town
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texans will release the veteran offensive lineman, who spent the entirety of training camp on the PUP list. Brown was coming off a knee injury he suffered last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, but was seen at practice working out on the sidelines.
It is unclear if the Texans will bring him back should they trade Cam Robinson.
McDermott Done
The Texans are releasing veteran offensive tackle Conor McDermott. The former Patriots offensive lineman filled in as a third-team offensive tackle.
Texans release six players
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Houston has released six players over the last hour. Here’s a list of all six names that won’t make the active roster.
According to Wilson, Ossai, Tafuna and Cox are expected to be brought back on the practice squad. Woodard and Yeast are expected to test free agency.
Blake Ferguson out
The Texans are moving off long snapper Blake Ferguson after it was reported that Austin Brinkman would be cleared for the start of the regular season.
See-Ya Slovis
Kedon Slovis could be brought back on the practice squad, but he won’t be on the Texans’ final 53-man squad.
See Ya, Cephus!
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans are releasing veteran wide receiver Quintez Cephus. He was released last season after an impressive preseason, too. The former Lions starter caught a touchdown against Detroit in the final preseason game. He also had an 18-yard catch and finished with four catches for 51 yards in his lone preseason game.
Mills out in H-Town
Jalen Mills won’t be making the active roster after being released on Tuesday morning. He made a run after intercepting Hendon Hooker in the preseason finale at Ford Fied.
No More Neimann
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans are releasing veteran linebacker and special teams standout Nick Niemann. As a standout special teams defender, he failed to meet expectations in training camp behind Jake Hansen and Jamal Hill. His two-year, $6 million contract has $4 million guaranteed with a $1.5 million signing bonus.
Cam Robinson on the trade block?
Could Cam Robinson be on the chopping block? According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texans will listen to offers for the veteran offensive tackle after rookie Aireontae Ersery won over the locker room as the new potential long-term left tackle.
Robinson, who signed a one-year deal worth up to $14 million, is promised $12 million on his current salary. He’s a serviceable starter with nearly a decade of experience, but as a backup swing tackle offers little value to the Texans and only hurts the salary cap.
Joe Mixon to begin season on NFI list
The Texans are placing their Pro Bowl running back on the NFI list due to a foot/leg injury, thus sidelining him for the first four games of the regular season. Houston could see Mixon return by Oct. 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, but with the bye week coming up in Week 6, expect to see Mixon likely earliest on Oct. 19 on Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Texans open the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 7.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans roster cut tracker: Who missed out on Houston’s initial 53-man roster?
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
