Texans Promote Cornerback Ameer Speed to 53-Man Roster Ahead of Chiefs Matchup
HOUSTON - The Texans are making a move to bolster their depth in the secondary and on special teams, signing cornerback Ameer Speed to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s road test against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Speed, who had been on Houston’s practice squad, now joins the active roster just in time for one of the most challenging matchups on the Texans' schedule. The 26-year-old defensive back was previously elevated for Houston’s win over the Colts, where he contributed on special teams - a role that has defined much of his NFL career to date.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Speed brings size and physicality to the Texans’ special teams unit, and potentially to the cornerback rotation if needed. Originally a sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots, Speed has also spent time with the Colts, Bears, and Browns. His journey through multiple organizations reflects both his value as a depth piece and the challenges of securing a long-term role in a league loaded with talent at the cornerback position.
Before entering the league, Speed was part of the powerhouse Georgia Bulldogs program, where he won a national championship - a pedigree that speaks to his experience in high-stakes environments. While his NFL stat sheet shows nine career tackles, his primary impact has come on special teams, where his athleticism and size make him a useful weapon in coverage and return containment.
The Texans had previously brought Speed in for a workout before adding him to the practice squad, a sign that they’ve had their eye on him for some time. With his promotion to the active roster, he’ll now have the opportunity to contribute more consistently - and potentially carve out a larger role as the season progresses.
As Houston prepares for a tough road matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Chiefs offense, every roster move matters. Speed’s elevation might not make headlines, but in a game where field position and special teams execution can swing momentum, his presence could prove timely.