The Houston Texans are heading into Week 5 with a busy roster shuffle, and the biggest takeaway is simple: a few injured players are back, a couple of depth pieces are on the way out, and the team is keeping its options open before Sunday’s trip to Nashville.
Houston activated second-round pick McDonald from injured reserve, clearing him for his NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans. McDonald had been sidelined since the start of the season because of an ankle injury he suffered before the year began, but now he’s set to provide depth on the interior behind Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai.
The Texans also brought Stewart back into the mix after an extended absence with a quad injury. It has been nearly a year since the veteran safety last appeared in an NFL game, and his return this weekend should put him in position to work as depth behind Reed Blankenship while also contributing on special teams.
On the other side of the ledger, Houston is parting ways with Gronowski and Oliver for now. Gronowski was just added back to the active roster this week after being released in September, but the Texans are now cutting him loose again. If he clears waivers, he’s expected to land back on Houston’s practice squad.
Oliver is in a similar spot. Houston added him to the 53-man roster earlier this week for help in the receiver room, but he’ll be waived before the Titans game. Like Gronowski, he’s expected to return to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Texans are also tapping into their practice squad elevations for Sunday. Hall will make his season debut, using one of his three elevations for the year.
A former starting cornerback for the New York Jets, Hall has appeared in 40 career NFL games with more than 20 starts. He can give Houston some secondary depth if needed, but special teams is where he’s most likely to show up this weekend.
Murray is back on the 53-man roster for a second straight week, and his role could grow again after logging 64 total snaps against the Dallas Cowboys. With Azeez Al-Shaair returning from the groin injury that kept him out for a game, Murray still has a chance to remain in the defensive rotation, and he could even push Jake Hansen depending on how the coaching staff lines things up.
In Other News...
Texans Suddenly Linked To A Receiver Move Fans Will Obsess Over
The receiver market just got a lot more interesting for teams with an eye on upgrading before the deadline, and Houston is suddenly being mentioned in the middle of it. Marvin Harrison Jr. has reportedly been informed by Arizona that he will be traded and will be inactive for the Cardinals' upcoming game, with ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reporting the deal will not be completed until after Sunday's games.
For the Texans, the link is obvious enough to get attention, even if nothing has been confirmed. A move for a player with Harrison's profile would fit the kind of swing teams make when they think they are close, and it is exactly the sort of rumor that can take on a life of its own in Houston. For now, though, it remains speculation, with the actual destination still waiting to be revealed. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Suddenly Have A New Concern Ahead Of Titans Showdown
Aireontae Erserys status became a late-week concern for the Texans after the starting left tackle missed Fridays practice because of an illness ahead of Sundays matchup with the Titans. Houston is still searching for its first win of the season at 0-4, and any change up front is especially worth watching for an offense that has already had plenty to sort through.
Erserys availability is still uncertain, leaving the Texans with the possibility of having to reshuffle their offensive line on short notice. Against a Tennessee front that can make life difficult, Houston would prefer as much stability as possible in front of its quarterback, and this situation adds another layer of pressure heading into a game the Texans badly need to find a way to win. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Face Their First True Must Win Against The Titans
The Texans have spent the first month trying to steady themselves after an 0-4 start, and this trip into division play has taken on a far different feel than a typical early-season game. With Tennessee also sitting at 0-4, the meeting brings a rare sense of urgency on both sides, but especially for Houston, which has watched its defense slip from last seasons standard and responded by putting Lovie Smith back in charge of calling plays.
For a team that still had some room to dream despite the rough opening, the math has turned plain in a hurry. A loss or even a tie would leave Houston in a hole no club has ever climbed out of, and with playoff hopes hanging by that thread, the Texans now face the kind of game that can define a season long before the calendar says it should. [Read more 🡒]