The Texans are heading into Week 1 with Tank Dell set to begin the season on injured reserve, and Nick Caserio made it clear the receiver is moving in the right direction even if he’s not there yet.
“He is close. He is not quite there, which is why he’s in the category that he’s in.
I think we’ll have a better idea with a lot of these guys after four weeks, four games, whatever it is. I’d say he’s definitely closer now than he was let’s say in Training Camp.
There’s a little bit more work that remains. But overall, he’s in pretty good spirits.
There are certain things we just have to see. Some of this too, is honestly for him mentally to make sure he has enough confidence that he can go out there and perform the way he’s capable of, the way he knows how to.”
Houston also kept undrafted DE Sabastian Harsh on the active roster, and DeMeco Ryans said Harsh forced the issue with the way he played.
“Earned his way onto the team, found way to make plays. You see a guy with the motor he has, strength he has, playmaking he has, the talent he has, we’re not going to let a guy like that get away.”
Ryans had similar praise for undrafted CB Collin Wright, pointing to his consistency and his ability to attack the ball.
“Very consistent, never shied away, found a way to make a play on the football. They earned the right to be on the team. Both guys can help us win football games.”
There’s also a new face in the Texans’ receiver room after the team acquired Kayshon Boutte from the Patriots. Boutte said he isn’t taking Mike Vrabel’s comment personally after Vrabel said he would’ve been inactive in New England, and he’s not treating it as “motivation” for Week 1.
On the offensive line, Caserio called G Keylan Rutledge “their best offensive lineman.”
He also explained the thinking behind the trade for OL Nate Thomas from Dallas:
“Coming out, raw player, but good size, strength. Had to block some decent players last year.
He played on both sides. Young player, that one came together pretty quickly Sunday, mid-day, we agreed on Dallas trade, hung up phone then agreed on San Fran trade (Jarrett Patterson), a player Cole (Popovich) like coming out.”
In Jacksonville, the Jaguars added quarterback Quinn Ewers from the Dolphins after the preseason, and GM James Gladstone said the deal came together after they looked at “a couple of different options.”
“We were exploring a couple of different options. Saturday morning was first time we engaged in conversations with Dolphins.”
Gladstone also said the team is comfortable discussing a possible extension with Parker Washington during the regular season. Washington is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Jaguars are “fine” with talking to his camp while the season is underway.
On the injury front, Gladstone said he’s confident right guard Patrick Mekari, who had back surgery, can be activated from injured reserve in Week 4.
In Other News...
Seahawks Mourn A Respected Coach Who Helped Shape A Super Bowl Unit
Charles Kippy Browns passing at 71 is a reminder of how much of the NFL is built by coaches whose work never always shows up in the spotlight. Brown spent a long career moving through college programs and several pro stops, and along the way he earned a reputation as a teacher who helped players grow into better versions of themselves. For those who followed the Seahawks run to Super Bowl XLVIII, his time as Seattles wide receivers coach remains part of that legacy.
Browns football story reached far beyond one championship team. He also made history as the first Black quarterback in Memphis State football history, a distinction that added another layer to a career already defined by trailblazing and steady influence. The Seahawks are mourning a respected coach, but the broader football world is also left reflecting on the kind of impact he had, and on the many players and programs shaped by his presence over the years. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Finally Look Built For The Moment Fans Have Wanted
The Texans spent years trying to patch together a foundation, but the last couple of offseasons have given the franchise a far clearer shape. Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans have pushed the organization toward a more disciplined structure, and the results are showing up where it matters most: a sturdier defense, a better offensive line and a coaching staff that looks built to support a young roster instead of prop it up.
C.J. Stroud remains the center of the whole operation, and his development will tell the rest of the story. Houston has put itself in position to enter the season with real expectations again, but the next step is proving the gains are sustainable and that the roster can handle the pressure that comes with being taken seriously. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Still Have One Jadeveon Clowney Question Before Week 1
Jadeveon Clowneys preseason has brought a little more concern than Houston probably wanted, but the early read remains encouraging. The veteran edge rusher picked up a minor soft tissue hip injury in a preseason game, and he has also been managing a mild ankle issue, though neither problem is considered serious. Even with the bumps in camp, he is still expected to be ready when the Texans open the season against the Buffalo Bills.
The bigger question now is what Clowneys role looks like once the games count. Houston brought him in to add experience and depth on the edge, and he is expected to work as a rotational piece behind starters Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. For a defense that wants to keep pressure coming all game, getting Clowney healthy and settled into that backup role would still give the Texans another useful piece heading into Week 1. [Read more 🡒]