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Texans Request to Interview DB Coach Chris Harris For Defensive Coordinator

FEB 7 HARRIS TO H-TOWN?

Tennessee Titans' defensive passing game coordinator has been a busy man this offseason. 

In January, it was reported that Harris, who at the time was the defensive backs coach for the Washington Commanders, would be leaving for Nashville to accept the defensive passing game coordinator role with the Tennessee Titans. 

However, since then, the highly-sought after assistant has been getting calls about becoming a defensive coordinator, most recently from DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans, who requested an interview with Harris on Monday. 

Harris has also interviewed for the vacant 49ers defensive coordinator spot, which was left open by Ryans when he accepted the Houston Job. 

FEB 4 JIMMY G TO TEXANS?

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is going to be a free agent. He has his 49ers connection with new Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. And Houston has its need - especially if it chooses to use its premium picks on positions other than QB.

Is Garoppolo to Houston a match?

Jimmy G wins in the regular season (40-17) and he wins in the playoffs. It's an idea worth considering, and maybe so is this one: Maybe a short-term deal for him (should his market make that viable) while also drafting a QB heir behind him?

JAN 31 SECOND INTERVIEW COMPLETE

The Houston Texans have completed their second meeting with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans regarding their vacant head coaching position on Tuesday, the team announced. 

Ryans is thought the be the Texans top candidate, and per Texans Daily sources, is set to be hired sooner, rather than later. 

JAN 27 TRADE-UP WAR

The Bears have the No. 1 spot in the NFL Draft. The Texans have the No. 2 spot. And one ESPN analyst insists that hunger for a quarterback will mean a bidding war to get up to that Chicago pick ... 

And that Houston is starving.

“I don’t think they (Houston) will sit at 2,'' Todd McShay said on an ESPN podcast. "I think they’ll do everything they can (to move up).''

And why?

"The Colts,'' McShay said, "are going to be the driving reason.''

His logic? The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts (sitting at No. 4) want QBs.

Our logic-based question: How do the Texans, the Colts and McShay know which QB is which? What if Bryce Young is preferred by one team and CJ Stroud another? Why not just sit and wait for your guy to come to you?

Because it's Rumor Season. That's why not.

JAN 17 JOHNSON OFF THE TABLE

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs since the end of the regular season, including with the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. 

However, despite those interview opportunities, Johnson has elected to stay in Detroit with the Lions. 

Johnson, 36, is the overseer of a turnaround of the Lions' offense and quarterback Jared Goff, which ranked fourth in the NFL in total offense, eighth in passing, and fifth in scoring offense. 

“I think a ton of Ben,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said recently. “He’s extremely bright. He’s creative, he’s organized, he’s a great communicator. I mean he’s got it.''

Before Johnson took over last season, the Lions ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in both scoring and total offense. 

JAN 13 CAMP SIGNED

The Houston Texans have signed reserve wide receiver Jalen Camp to a reserve/futures contract, the team announced Thursday. 

Camp spent most of the season on the Texans practice squad, playing 21 offensive snaps, and catching one pass for seven yards before being placed on injured reserve in mid-December.

JAN 7 CLOWNEY GONE?

Former Houston Texans No. 1 pick and current Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney might be on his way out from yet another franchise. 

According to reports, Clowney is unhappy with his situation in Cleveland and could be looking to move on at season's end.

Clowney all but confirmed those rumors on Thursday, telling reporters he was '95 percent gone.'

Ninety-five percent sure I won’t be back,” Clowney told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com on Thursday. “But there’s still that 5 percent. You never know what can happen.”

After Houston placed the franchise tag on Clowney, he was traded to Seattle and then went to Tennessee, before landing with the Browns. 

JAN 4 SAM TO START In the wake of the injury to quarterback Nick Foles, the Indianapolis Colts will have a new quarterback under center on Sunday against the Houston Texans, with second-year QB Sam Ehlinger set to make the start. 

Veteran Matt Ryan will serve as the backup to Ehlinger. 

Ehlinger has played in three games this season, Ehlinger has completed 41 of 66 passes for 364 yards and one touchdown with one interception. 

He has also rushed 12 times for 66 yards.

DEC 27 J.J. DONE Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt - on the very short list of "greatest Houston NFL players ever - is hanging up his cleats.

The 12-year NFL veteran announced his retirement on social media Tuesday morning as he prepares to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Watt, 33, was drafted 11th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Texans and played 10 seasons with the franchise before his final two years with the Cardinals.

With 111.5 sacks, Watt currently ranks 26th all-time on the all-time list, with two final chances to climb higher on the rankings.

"My heart is filled with nothing but love and gratitude,'' Watt writes on social media. "It's been an absolute honor and a pleasure.''

DEC 23 COLLINS SHUT DOWN Texans starting wide receiver Nico Collins’ season is over. ... Brandin Cooks' is re-starting ... and a former Dallas Cowboys receiver is coming aboard.

Collins was placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury that has sidelined him since a loss to the Cleveland Browns. Collins has 37 catches for 481 yards and two scores on 66 targets.

Meanwhile, the Texans get veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks back from a foot injury for Saturday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.

Additionally, they have signed Malik Turner, formerly of the Cowboys, who this season has been cut by the Niners and Raiders.

DEC 22 TITANS RYAN TANNEHILL OFFICIALLY OUT VS TEXANS The Tennessee Titans will have to face the Houston Texans on Christmas Eve in Nashville without their starting quarterback, Ryan Tannehill.

Tannehill injured his ankle vs. the Chargers last Sunday, and was questionable throughout the week. 

And now, that decision has been made clear, with Tannehill officially being designated as out for the game. 

In his place, the Titans will start rookie Malik Willis. Willis replaced Tannehill in the Titans Week 8 win over the Texans.

In that game, Willis completed 5 of 6 of 10 passes for 55 yards and an interception, while star running back Derrick Henry ran wild for 219 yards and two scores on 32 carries.

DEC 21 NO TANNEHILL? The Tennessee Titans might be heading into a pivotal Week 16 game - for the Titans, that is - without their starting quarterback.

Ryan Tannehill hurt his ankle in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and his availability for this weekend's matchup with the Houston Texans is "seriously in doubt," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rookie Malik Willis would start for Tennessee if Tannehill cannot go. 

The Titans are 7-7 and have lost four games in a row and cling to a one-game lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South.

If Jacksonville beats the New York Jets on Thursday night and 1-12-1 Houston upsets Tennessee on Saturday, the Jaguars will move into first place in the division.

DEC 17 STINGLEY AND PIERCE TO IR  

The Texans shut down standout rookie cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., and running back Dameon Pierce for the remainder of the season along with defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth, placing them on injured reserve. Stingley, a first round pick from LSU, has been out for a month with a strained hamstring. Pierce suffered a high ankle sprain against the Dallas Cowboys. 

He leads all rookie in rushing yards and has provided a dynamic, punishing running style. 

Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale will be the primary running backs against the Chiefs on Sunday. Royce Freeman was signed to the active roster with Pierce out, as was cornerback Jacobi Francis. 

The Texans activated starting defensive end Jon Greenard from injured reserve one week after designating him for return from a torn calf muscle. Greenard led the Texans in sacks last season. The Texans also elevated safety Will Redmond and tight end Mason Schreck from the practice squad.

DEC 14 PIERCE OUT Texans rookie running back Dameon Pierce sustained what a league source tells TexansDaily SI is a "mild high-ankle sprain'' in the Sunday loss at the Dallas Cowboys ... and it is believed Pierce will miss at least one game because of it.

Sources tell us an MRI showed no structural damage ... but arguably Houston's best player, Pierce will now likely sit for Sunday's visit from the powerful Chiefs.

DEC 11 PIERCE HURT? OUTS Dameon Pierce has been a big contributor to the Texans' taking a 23-20 lead to the final eight minutes of this meeting at Dallas against the heavily favored Cowboys ...

But the rookie standout is limping now, and will be monitored.

Rex Burkhead and Eno Benjamin are next guys up.

DEC 11 DIGGS, HANKINS INJURED During their Sunday afternoon matchup with the Houston Texans, the Dallas Cowboys lost a pair of key defenders to injury. 

Cornerback Trevon Diggs was forced out of the game with a hand injury, and went to the locker room for treatment. 

He has since returned. 

Defensive lineman Jonathan Hankins was also knocked out of the game on the very next play after Diggs. 

He is questionable to return.

Finally, Cowboys starting right tackle Terence Steele also went down with an injury, and is questionable to return with a left leg injury. 

He is currently in the locker room undergoing evaluation. 

DEC 4 HUG IT OUT Deshaun Watson is back on an NFL field for the first time in 700 days and it is all quite awkward.

The three-time Pro Bowler, the focal point of sexual-misconduct allegations that caused him to sit out the entirety of the 2021 season and serve an 11-game suspension this year, is here at NRG Stadium debuting for the Cleveland Browns ...

But not before half-hugging it out with his old boss.

Prior to kickoff, the former Texans star QB crossed paths with Houston owner Cal McNair. And 

NOV 16 DESHAUN WATSON HITS PRACTICE FIELD

Former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has now taken part in his inaugural practice with the Cleveland Browns, after hitting the field for the first time on Wednesday.

Watson was traded during the offseason to Cleveland in exchange for three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a fifth-round pick.

As a result, the Texans now own the Browns' No. 12 pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, giving them two first-round picks.

Watson played four seasons in Houston after being drafted out of Clemson with the No. 12 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

He ended his Texans career throwing for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns while completing 67.8 percent of his pass attempts. Watson went 28-25 after starting 53 games for the Texans.

NOV 16 TEXANS LAND RODGERS

The Texans were awarded wide receiver Amari Rodgers off waivers from the Green Bay Packers, according to a league source.

The Texans rank first in the waiver wire priority order with a 1-7-1 record. Texans general manager Nick Caserio has been active the past two days, including claiming running back Eno Benjamin off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday.

Rodgers was placed on waivers by the Packers. 

He has four catches for 50 yards and no touchdowns on eight targets in 10 games for Green Bay.

A former third-round draft pick from Clemson, Rodgers was a three-year starter for Clemson and a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection.

The Texans acquire a four-year, $4.899 million rookie

NOV 15 ENO BENJAMIN CLAIMED

The Texans added some potentially key depth in the backfield on Tuesday afternoon, when they were awarded former Arizona Cardinals running back, Eno Benjamin, his agent announced.  

Benjamin now joins veteran Rex Burkhead as a reserve behind rookie sensation Dameon Pierce, who has taken the league by storm in his first season. 

In 10 games with the Cardinals this season, Benjamin has 299 yards and two touchdowns on 70 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. He also has 24 catches on 33 targets for 184 yards in the passing game. 

NOV 13 ANGRY PIERCE The Houston Texans have one of the brightest young stars in the NFL in rookie running back Dameon Pierce. 

And one person who is paying close attention to Pierce is Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who had high praise for the rookie ahead of their Sunday matchup at MetLife Stadium.

“I don’t know who said something to him or did something to him to make him so angry," Martindale said. "But that might be the angriest runner in the league.”

Through eight games, Pierce has been the most productive rookie running back in the league, as well as one of the top backs in the NFL overall, rushing 148 times for 578 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.

He will get another chance to make a case for offensive rookie of the year at noon in East Rutherford.

NOV 7 MOVES The Texans signed defensive tackle Brandin Bryant to the practice squad and released defensive end Derick Roberson from the practice squad. Bryant (6-foot-2, 306 pounds) is a former undrafted free agent (Nebraska, Florida Atlantic) who was signed by the Seattle Seahawks. Bryant has four career tackles in the NFL. Bryant, 29, has played for the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. He was released by the Bills on Nov. 1.

NOV 4 TEXANS SIGN HARRIS TO PRACTICE SQUAD The Texans are signing veteran defensive end Demone Harris to the practice squad, according to a league source.

Harris cleared waivers after being released earlier this week.

Harris has played in three games this season and has recorded four tackles and one quarterback hit.

He was previously on the Texans' practice squad.

Harris (6-foot-4, 272 pounds) delivered a strong preseason performance with five tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss, eight hurries and one quarterback hit.

Harris joined the Texans last year on their practice squad.

He has 11 career tackles, two tackles for losses and three quarterback hits in 14 games and one start.

He has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. 

A former undrafted free agent from the University of Buffalo, Harris was a Burlsworth Trophy nominee and a second-team all-conference selection.

NOV 2 TEXANS CUT 2 The Texans cut veteran defensive end Demone Harris from the active roster and defensive tackle Micah Dew-Treadway. Harris has played in three games this season and has recorded four tackles and one quarterback hit. He was previously on the Texans' practice squad.

Harris (6-foot-4, 272 pounds) delivered a strong preseason performance with five tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss, eight hurries and one quarterback hit. Harris joined the Texans last year on their practice squad. He has 11 career tackles, two tackles for losses and three quarterback hits in 14 games and one start. He has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. 

A former undrafted free agent from the University of Buffalo, Harris was a Burlsworth Trophy nominee and a second-team all-conference selection. 

Dew-Treadway is a former Chicago Bears and University of Minnesota defensive tackle. Dew-Treadway went undrafted and signed with the Bears. He played four seasons at Notre Dame before transferring to Minnesota.

NOV 1 GRUGIER-HILL SIGNS WITH CARDINALS 

After requesting his release from the team last week, former Houston Texans linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill has signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals, Texans Daily has learned. 

Grugier-Hill was the Texans leading tackler in 2021, and before requesting his release from the team, had started all six games this season. 

Grugier-Hill had played a total of 20 games for the Texans over the last two seasons, 148 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and five quarterback hits.

OCT 31 BRANDIN COOKS TIES 

This belongs in the "rumor'' category, and it is worth noting that in our two recent conversations with NFL sources, the Texans organization continues to downplay the idea of trading receiver Brandin Cooks.

But teams are calling. And now the Dallas Cowboys - so goes the buzz - are being connected.

There are prohibitive reasons for him moving, as 1) we believe Houston would ask for a second-round pick in exchange and 2) he's got an $18 million price tag locked in for 2023.

But would he help Dallas or another contending team? No doubt, the "take-the-top-off'' vet succeeding in Houston (in seven starts this year the 29-year-old has 32 catches for 354 yards and one touchdown) despite shaky QB play.

He's a perennial 1,000-yard guy and his name has now popped up in two media spots, in Dallas and in New York. Are the Cowboys really that interested in spending what it takes here?

OCT 26 THOMAS DESIGNATED FOR RETURN

Texans nickel back and special teams ace Tavierre Thomas is expected to return to practice with the team launching his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve-designated for return, according to a league source.

Usually, the Texans have players practice for a week or so before placing them on the active roster. 

Thomas was placed on short-term injured reserve with a pulled quadriceps suffered during training camp.

Thomas has made a sound recovery and has been running for weeks.

The injury represented a setback to the Texans' defense and special-teams units. Thomas is also a sound tackler. Tackling has been a recurring issue for the Texans' defense.

Thomas had a career-high 86 tackles and two interceptions last season in 16 games with one forced fumble. He played 56 percent of the defensive snaps and 67 percent of the special teams snaps.

Signed to a two-year, $4 million contract last year that includes $2 million guaranteed with a $1 million signing bonus, Thomas started a career-high three games last season.

The former undrafted free agent from Ferris State had a breakthrough season last year for the Texans and consistently drew praise from coach Lovie Smith.

OCT 22 MOVE 

Christian Harris' final college football game at Alabama displayed his athleticism and instincts.

He recorded three sacks, four tackles for losses and a forced fumble in a loss to Georgia in the national championship game.

Now, the Texans rookie outside linebacker is set to play in his first NFL game Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harris was officially activated Saturday after being designated for return from injured reserve after straining his hamstring in training camp.

Signed to a four-year, $5.34 million contract that includes a $1.069 million signing bonus, the third-round draft pick turned heads at training camp with his ability to run and diagnose plays. Harris has speed to burn with a 4.44 time the 40-yard dash and is regarded as a versatile sideline-to-sideline defender.

“I was really excited then and really excited now," Texans coach Lovie Smith said of Harris' growth since the team drafted him. "We like the skill set, the talent of a young player. You have to keep that in mind. It’s his first game in a long period of time. I think he has grown as much as you can grow without practicing. He’s smart. He’s put in the time. Now you have to have that first game. We have to get him out there and let him start playing. Eventually, that’s what he’ll be able to do.”

Harris worked with the first-team defense during organized team activities before getting hurt the first week of August. He appeared in no preseason games and missed the first four games of the regular season.

If Harris plays beyond special teams snaps Sunday, he's expected to work in as the third linebacker along with second-year linebacker Garret Wallow in addition to special teams.

“Position versatility, I don’t buy that an awful lot with most people," Smith said. "Position flexibility with a young player is almost impossible to do that. We’re trying to get him up to date on one position. That’s the chore in itself to do that, an awful lot that goes into.

"Most people I hear say, ‘Put him out there and let him run around and make plays.’ It’s a little bit more to it. We’re trying to get him up speed on one position is what we’re trying to do right now.”

OCT 21 WALLER OUT, RENFRO QUESTIONABLE VS TEXANS

The Houston Texans might have caught a big break for their Sunday matchup vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Per TexansDaily.com's  Aaron Wilson, the Raiders have officially ruled out tight end Darren Waller. Wideout Hunter Renfro is also listed as questionable. 

Waller, one of the league's most talented tight ends, has been out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. 

OCT 12 TEXANS SIGN JORDAN AKINS TO 53

The Houston Texans have activated tight end, Jordan Akins, to the 53-man roster, according to his agents. 

The Texans released starting tight end Pharoh Brown in recent days, prompting the move. 

Akins has seven catches for 86 yards and a touchdown this season. 

OCT 8 TEXANS DESIGNATE MARIO ADDISON FROM IR

The Houston Texans have activated veteran defensive end Mario Addison from injured reserve, as first reported by Pro Football Network. After missing the first four games of the season, Addison will make his debut with the Texans on Sunday, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

OCT 5 CONLEY CUT The Houston Texans have let go of an eight-year veteran at wide receiver with the release of Chris Conley from the practice squad.

It has been a yo-yo experience since Conley signed with the Texans last season, as he made 10 starts for the team in 2021. ... while this season, he played in just two games, in which he got two targets and no catches.

In 18 games in Houston, Conley recorded 22 catches for 323 yards and two TDs.

OCT 4 BROWN OUT The Texans are cutting tight end Pharaoh Brown, as first reported by Aaron Wilson. 

Brown signed a one-year, $3 million guaranteed contract this offseason to return to a Houston offense that has turned the page at the position.

Brown leaves the active roster with seven catches for 72 yards this year.

SEPTEMBER 27 TEXANS LOSE PS OT CEDRIC OGBUEHI TO JETS

The Houston Texans have lost practice squad offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi from their practice squad, after he was signed by the New York Jets. 

A former first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015, Ogbuehi has bounced around the league, landing on five different teams since 2019.

SEPTEMBER 24 TEXANS ELEVATE TIGHT JORDAN AKINS

The Texans have elevated tight end Jordan Akins from the practice squad ahead of their Week 3 match against the Chicago Bears, as first reported by Pro Football Network.

Akins will be replacing second-year prospect Brevin Jordan, who will miss Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. Akins re-joined the Texans following his release from the New York Giants in August.

SEPTEMBER 22 TEXANS SIGN JIMMY MORRISSEY

With Justin Britt out due to personal reasons, the Texans have added depth to their offensive line. According to Pro Football Network, the Texans have signed center Jimmy Morrissey to their 53-man roster.

Morrissey played five games with the Texans during the 2021 season following a short tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders drafted Morrissey during the seventh round (No. 230th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Scott Quessenberry will continue to start in Britt's absence.

SEPTEMBER 20 TEXANS RESTRUCTURE COOKS

The Houston Texans have restructured the contract of wide receiver Brandin Cooks, per a report from Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson. 

The Texans have converted $831,111 of his base salary into a signing bonus. That conversion creates $554,000 in immediate cap room for the Texans.

Cooks signed a massive two-year $39 million contract extension this past offseason.

SEPTEMBER 10 HARRIS JOINS ACTIVE ROSTER

The Texans have signed veteran defensive end Demone Harris to their active roster ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Colts, as first reported by Pro Football Network

Harris played a significant role in Houston's defensive line production during the preseason. He recorded five tackles and 1.0 sacks during the Texans' 3-0 preseason outing.

SEPTEMBER 9 FREEMAN CUT

The Houston Texans have cut veteran running back Royce Freeman, per a report from Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson. 

Last season with the Texans, Freeman had 35 carries for 92 yards and seven receptions for 62 yards in seven games. 

Before coming to the Texans, Freeman played eight games with the Panthers in 2021, and spent three seasons in Denver with the Broncos.

SEPTEMBER 9 TRYOUT TRIO

The Houston Texans hosted linebackers Emeke Egbule and Rashod Berry and D-lineman Micah Dew-Treadway for Thursday tryouts, according to Aaron Wilson.

Berry, 25, is notable as he signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in 2020 - giving him that GM Nick Caserio connection.

In 2021, Berry appeared in five games for the Lions and recorded three tackles.

SEPTEMBER 8 TEXANS SIGN NEW DL

The Houston Texans announced Thursday afternoon the signing of defensive lineman Derick Roberson to the practice squad. Roberson, a four-year veteran who played his first three years with the Tennessee Titans, has recorded 4.5 sacks in 16 career games. 

Following the signing of Roberson, the Texans have placed offensive lineman Cedric Ogbuehi on injured reserve.

SEPTEMBER 6 TEXANS SIGN RB

Per a report from Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans are signing former Miami Dolphins running back Gerrid Doaks.

A seventh round pick of the Dolphins in 2021, Doaks was waived by the Dolphins on August 29.

SEPTEMBER 6 NEW DEALS

The Texans have restructured the contracts of kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn and punter Cameron Johnston in a way that creates about $2.1 million in salary cap savings, as first reported by Aaron Wilson. The players make no "sacrifice'' in these transactions; rather, it's a bookkeeping technique for the team and a base-to-bonus conversion for the players.

SEPTEMBER 2 TEXANS SIGN HOWARD, CUT CONLEY

According to the Texans public relations department, Houston has officially signed tight end O.J. Howard. In a corresponding move, the Texans have cut receiver Chris Conley for a second time. 

Howard, 2017 first-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has recorded 1,737 receiving yards and 15 touchdown passes in 59 career games. His best season came during the 2018 when he tallied recorded 565 yards on 34 catches. 

Conley was waived during the initial cuts, but Texans GM Nick Caserio said Wednesday that the team was looking to "bring him back" on a new deal. Last season, Conley recorded 23 catches for 323 yards and two touchdowns.

SEPTEMBER 1 VETERAN TIGHT END MEETS WITH TEXANS

Two days following his departure from the Buffalo Bills, veteran tight end O.J. Howard met with the Texans on Thursday, as first reported by Pro Football Network.

Howard, who was a first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017, has recorded 1,737 receiving yards and 15 touchdown passes in 59 career games. His best season came during the 2018 campaign, where he recorded 565 yards on 34 catches for the 5-11 Buccaneers. 

SEPTEMBER 1 TEXANS BRING BACK THREE VETERANS 

The Texans have re-signed receiver Chris Conley, cornerback Issac Yiadom and running back Roye Freeman to the active roster. In a corresponding move, Houston has elected to move cornerback Tavierre Thomas (quad), linebacker Christian Harris (hamstring) and tight end Teagan Quitoriano (ankle) to the short-term injured reserve. 

Freeman initially made the 53-man roster but was waived following the addition of Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Tyler Johnson. Last season, he played in seven games and rushed for 92 yards on 35 carries. He also caught seven passes for 62 yards.

Conley was waived during the initial cuts, but Texans GM Nick Caserio said Wednesday that the team was looking to "bring him back" on a new deal. Last season, Conley recorded 23 catches for 323 yards and two touchdowns. 

Yiadom was initially waived during roster cuts but was expected to be brought back due to his skills on special teams. He also served as the team's No. 4 cornerback during training camp behind Derek Stingley Jr., Steven Nelson and Desmond King. 

Thomas and Quitoriano are expected to be back within the next four-to-six weeks. Harris, Houston's third-round pick out of Alabama, could miss an extensive amount of time due to the injury. 

AUGUST 31 TEXANS CUT VETERAN RB 

The Texans are cutting veteran running back Royce Freeman. The news was first reported by ESPN. Freeman, a former third-round pick out of Oregon, played in seven games rushing for 92 yards on 35 carries last season for Houston. He also caught seven passes for 62 yards.

It is unknown at this time if Houston will look to add another running to its active roster or pehaps elevate veteran Marlon Mack from the practice squad. Mack was released on Tuesday after signing a one-year, $2 million deal in the offseason. 

AUGUST 31 BENGALS CLAIM FORMER TEXANS OL MAX SHARPING

The Cincinnati Bengals have claimed former now-former Texans offensive lineman Max Sharping, per reports.

Sharping was waived by Houston on Tuesday.

AUGUST 31 TEXANS CLAIM WR JOHNSON

The Houston Texans have claimed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson off of waivers, per a report from NFL insider Aaron Wilson.

In two seasons with the Bucs, Johnson played in 31 games with six starts and made 48 catches on 72 targets for 529 yards and two touchdowns. 

AUGUST 31 TEXANS SIGN DEMONE HARRIS TO PRACTICE SQUAD

After a solid preseason performance, the Texans have re-signed defensive end Demone Harris, to the practice squad, per NFL insider Aaron Wilson.

Harris is one of the first practice squad signees for the Texans following running back Marlon Mack's surprising addition.

AUGUST 31 COUTEE TO INDY

Former Texans wideout Keke Coutee has signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad, per a report from Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. 

In three years with the Texans, Coutee amassed 83 catches in 117 targets for 941 yards and four touchdowns, playing in 23 games. Coutee appeared in two games or the Colts last season, making one catch for five yards.

AUGUST 31 TEXANS PLACE TE ON IR

The Houston Texans placed tight end Teagan Quitoriano on short-term injured reserve on Wednesday morning, per Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson.

Quitoriano had a promising preseason with the Texans, catching a touchdown in the Week 2 win over the Rams.

AUGUST 28 TEXANS CUT KICKER

The Houston Texans have cut kicker Matt Ammendola following the conclusion to their preseason.

Ammendola hit 1-of-2 field goals and 2-of-2 extra points for the Texans on Thursday.

Ka'imi Fairbairn, who missed part of the preseason dealing with an injury, is expected to be back for Week 1.

AUGUST 24 TEXANS CUT FABIAN MOREAU

The Texans announced Wednesday afternoon that they cut veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau. Moreau signed with the Texans in May following a one-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons.

Moreau has recorded 186 tackles, 25 pass deflections and six interceptions throughout his five-year NFL career. Moreau began his career in 2017 when the Washington Commanders drafted him in the third round of the draft.

Meanwhile, Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn is trying to work through a minor injury and is expected to miss this week's preseason finale. So, former Jets kicker Matt Ammendola is reportedly visiting the Texans.

AUGUST 21 TEXANS MAKE FOUR ROSTER CUTS

On top of cutting linebacker Tae Davis, the Texans have released fullback Andy Janovich and waived rookie offensive tackle Myron Cunningham. Houston also has placed receiver Chester Rodgers on the reserve/injured list following its 24-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Janovich, a six-year starter for the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns, began to see his rep count diminish in practice. Houston entering training camp with three fullbacks and are expected to keep at least one. The two fighting for what could be the lone spot include Paul Quessenberry and Troy Hairston.

Cunningham, a three-year starter for Arkansas, could potentially return to the Texans should he clear waivers, but that would come at a later date. Cunningham went undrafted after helping the Hogs finish with an 8-4 record, and one of the more potent rushing offenses in the SEC.

With the four roster moves, Houston has met the NFL's 80-man roster limit before Tuesday's deadline.

AUGUST 21 TEXANS CUT LINEBACKER

The Texans are cutting linebacker Tae Davis, according to NFL Network. Davis primarly worked on with the third-team defense and on special teams.

Davis, an undrafted free agent out of Chattanooga in 2018, spent two seasons in Houston. Last year, he was placed on the injured reverse with a uncisclosed injury after being initally waived. In four years, Davis has also played for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.

AUGUST 15 TWO TEXANS CUT FOLLOWING SAINTS WIN

The Texans are cutting defensive end Jordan Jenkins and receiver Chad Beebe following their 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. The news was first reported by Pro Football Network.

Jenkins, who signed a two-year, $6 million contract last season, worked as a rotational pass-rusher for the Texans under defensive coordinator Lovie Smith. He finished the season with 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and five quarterback hits in 11 games. Jenkins had not practiced this season after being placed on the physically unable to perform list due to a strained calf prior to the start of training camp.

Beebe, who signed with Houston following the season-ending injury to receiver DaeSean Hamilton, did not record a stat in Saturday's win over New Orleans. Prior to arriving in Houston, the 28-year-old had played for the Minnesota Vikings.

Undrafted out of Northern Illinois, Bebee has tallied 26 career receptions for 310 yards and two touchdowns. His best season came in 2020 when he played in 14 games and recorded 20 receptions for 201 yards and two scores.

AUGUST 15 CHIEFS CUT TEXANS-EX JOHNSON

With roster cuts beginning to come in across the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with former Texans cornerback Lonnie Johnson.

Johnson racked up 172 tackles, one tackle for loss and three interceptions in 44 games with 19 starts in three seasons. All three interceptions came last season.

AUGUST 12 TEXANS CUT DAVIS

The Houston Texans have released wide receiver Davion Davis from injured reserve with a settlement, per Aaron Wilson.

A Texas native and Sam Houston State alumnus, Davis went undrafted in 2019, spending time with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns before landing in Houston last season.

Davis made two appearances in 2021, starting one game and racking up a total of one reception for 17 yards before landing on IR with a fractured ankle in December. He was waived and returned to IR earlier this month after suffering a pulled hamstring.

AUGUST 11 TEXANS EX HEADS TO BIG APPLE

Five-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro left tackle Duane Brown is heading to the New York Jets.

The 36-year-old was drafted 26th overall by the Texans back in 2008, going on to spend just over nine seasons in Houston where he was a stalwart of the offensive line. Traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, where he went on to spend just over four seasons, Brown now joins head coach Robert Saleh's Jets where he'll fill in for Mekhi Becton who suffered a likely season-ending knee injury, per Adam Schefter.

Brown's deal is two years and worth a reported $22 million.

AUGUST 11 TEXANS WORKOUT TRIO OF RUSHERS

Just a day after signing running back B.J. Emmons, the Houston Texans have worked out another trio of rushers.

Per Aaron Wilson, Kalen Ballage, Sewo Olonilua, and Brenden Knox all worked out on Thursday.

Ballage was a Miami Dolphins fourth-round draft pick in 2018, going on to spend two seasons in Florida, followed by brief stints with the New York Jets, LA Chargers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Former Dallas Cowboy Olonilua went undrafted out of TCU in 2020 and has spent the two years since bouncing back and forth between Dallas' active roster, practice squad, and IR.

Knox went undrafted in 2021 out of Marshall and went on to briefly occupy a roster spot with the Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs.

AUGUST 10 EMMONS HEADS TO HOUSTON

The Texans are signing running back B.J. Emmons, according to multiple reports. The news was first reported by Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson. Houston has a need for running back after placing Darius Anderson on injured reserve with a dislocated knee that required season-ending surgery.

"[He's] a guy that showed up every day, was doing some good things," Texans coach Lovie Smith said Wednesday of Anderson. "We had a plan for him. Unfortunately, injuries are part of our game. It's just pretty much a non-contact injury that happened."

Initially a student at Alabama, Emmons elected to transfer and his career at Florida Atlantic. As a junior, he rushed for 237 yards and six touchdowns despite missing time with a broken ankle. In a COVID-shortened season in 2020, he rushed for 116 yards and one touchdown.

With the Raiders, he rushed for 90 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries in three preseason games in 2021. He was signed to the practice squad, released then signed by the Seahawks, then released and signed by the Jaguars.

Most recently, Emmons played for the Tampa Bay Bandits in the USFL. He rushed for 224 yards and a touchdown while tacking on another 105 yards as a receiver.

AUGUST 9 SHAHEEN LEAVES SOUTH BEACH FOR AFC SOUTH

The Texans are trading a 2023 sixth-round pick in exchange for Miami Dolphins tight end Adam Shaheen and a 2023 seventh-round pick. Shaheen signed a two-year, $7.65 million contract extension with the Dolphins in 2020.

Drafted by the Chicago Bears out of Ashland University in 2017, Shaheen has been known for his blocking skills. The 6-7 tight end has often been a mismatch nightmare against defensive ends in terms of run blocking.

Shaheen was traded to Miami in 2020 for a conditional seventh-round pick. From there, he'd go on to record 12 catches for 150 yards and three touchdowns under coach Brian Flores' direction. In 2021, Shaheen finished with 12 catches for 110 yards.

For his career, Shaheen has recorded 50 catches for 509 yards and seven touchdowns. A corresponding move by Houston not been announced as of this time.

AUGUST 2 ROGERS TO TEXANS

According to reports, Chester Rogers is coming aboard via a one-year deal.

The former Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts receiver visited the Texans Monday evening.

Rogers, 28, was picked up by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He spent four seasons in Indianapolis, playing in 53 total games while starting in 22. He recorded 111 total catches for 1,221 yards and five touchdowns.

In 2021, Rogers played in 16 games and made two starts with Tennessee. He tallied 301 total yards and averaged 18.8 yards per catch.

AUGUST 2 SNEAD STAYING IN HOUSTON?

According to Pro Football Network, the Texans will workout former Baltimore Ravens standout Willie Snead Tuesday afternoon. Since it was announced that rookie reciever John Metchie III would undergo treatment of leukemia, the Texans have worked out three veteran receivers.

Snead, 29, recently played with the Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers. He tallied three catches for 33 yards before being waived by Las Vegas in October.

Best known for his time with the New Orleans Saints and Ravens, Snead has been a reliable slot weapon in the passing attack. In three seasons with the Saints, he recorded 149 catches for 1,971 yards and seven touchdowns. In three years with Baltimore, Snead tallied 126 catches for 1,422 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Texans worked out former Tennessee Titans receiver Chester Rogers on Monday evening, but no deal was finalized.

AUGUST 1 ROGERS READY TO RUMBLE WITH TEXANS?

According to reports, former Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts receiver Chester Rogers is set to visit the Texans Monday evening. Should the workout go well, it is expected Houston will sign him to the active roster.

Rogers, 28, was picked up by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He spent four seasons in Indianapolis, playing in 53 total games while starting in 22. He recorded 111 total catches for 1,221 yards and five touchdowns.

In 2021, Rogers played in 16 games and made two starts with Tennessee. He tallied 301 total yards and averaged 18.8 yards per catch.

AUGUST 1 TEXANS CUT QB

According to multiple reports, the Texans have released backup quarterback Kevin Hogan.

Hogan had signed with the Texans this off-season as a free agent and looked to be in a competition for backup duties behind Davis Mills with Kyle Allen and Jeff Driskel.

It appears now that competition is now down to Allen and Driskel.

Hogan was originally a fifth-round pick for the Kansas City Cheifs.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Texans Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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