Texans 53-Man Roster & Practice Squad: My Analysis and Reactions
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Starting With Joe Mixon
I was one of the few holding out hope that Joe Mixon might avoid injured reserve. That turned out to be wishful thinking. While DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio’s comments earlier this week left some fans worried the injury could be even worse, I remain hopeful Mixon can return after the first four games. Still, this has proven to be a mysterious situation, and any speculation beyond that is just speculation. His move to IR had a domino effect on roster construction, making keeping Dameon Pierce an easy decision.
Quarterbacks (3)
C.J. Stroud
Davis Mills
Graham Mertz
Keeping three quarterbacks was a surprise at first, but after seeing how things played out it makes complete sense. The Texans traded up for Graham Mertz in the sixth round, and after his preseason showing, they clearly weren’t willing to risk him being claimed if cut. Despite three interceptions in his first appearance, two were miscommunications with receivers and one was a tipped ball. His final preseason game, where he started against Detriot, showed his upside. This move protects depth and development at the position.
Running Backs (5)
Nick Chubb
Woody Marks
Dameon Pierce
Dare Ogunbowale
British Brooks
British Brooks was one of the bigger surprises. I expected fullback Jakob Johnson to make it. But Brooks offers unique versatility as a running back, fullback, H-back, and special teams enforcer. It is possible they believed Brooks wouldn’t clear waivers. Jakob Johnson, meanwhile, was released with the plan to add him to the practice squad, which they did. Johnson himself acknowledged that this was always the plan and that he’d be elevated when needed.
Wide Receivers (7)
Nico Collins
Christian Kirk
Braxton Berrios
Xavier Hutchinson
Jayden Higgins
Jaylin Noel
Justin Watson
I thought all along they’d keep seven receivers until the final stretch, where I left off Justin Watson. Braxton Berrios filled the Steven Sims type of role but adds more value as a slot receiver, punt returner, and kick returner. Justin Watson being kept was a mild surprise, but I’ve been high on him—he’s a bigger body who’s produced in big moments and adds special teams ability.
Tight Ends (2)
Dalton Schultz
Cade Stover
This was one of the true surprises. Only two made the 53, with Harrison Bryant cut and Irv Smith Jr. placed on IR after his injury. Luke Lachey also landed on the practice squad. The Texans are clearly comfortable stashing depth here and elevating when needed.
Offensive Line (9)
Jarrett Patterson
Blake Fisher
Jake Andrews
Ed Ingram
Juice Scruggs
Tytus Howard
Cam Robinson
Laken Tomlinson
Aireontae Ersery
No surprises here. The group shook out about how I expected. Trent Brown was cut and re-signed to the practice squad, which worked out even better than stashing him on IR.
Defensive Line (10)
Will Anderson Jr.
Darrell Taylor
Danielle Hunter
Tommy Togiai
Sheldon Rankins
Folorunso Fatukasi
Dylan Horton
Derek Barnett
Mario Edwards Jr.
Tim Settle Jr.
Keeping Dylan Horton was a mild surprise—not because of ability, but because of numbers. Still, the Texans value depth here more than anywhere else, and with DeMeco Ryans’ heavy rotation, this makes sense. No surprises inside at defensive tackle.
Linebackers (6)
Azeez Al-Shaair
Jake Hansen
Henry To’oTo’o
E.J. Speed
Christian Harris
Jamal Hill
No major surprises. I had Nick Niemann instead of Jake Hansen, but Hansen is proven in the system and adds special teams value.
Defensive Backs (8)
Calen Bullock
Kamari Lassiter
Jalen Pitre
Tremon Smith
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Derek Stingley Jr.
M.J. Stewart
Jaylin Smith
No big surprises here, though I expected Myles Bryant to make it. Instead, he was cut and re-signed to the practice squad. This group feels a little light but flexible.
Specialists (3)
Tommy Townsend (P)
Ka’imi Fairbairn (K)
Austin Brinkman (LS)
No surprises. This was locked in.
Practice Squad Highlights
The practice squad is an extension of the roster, something Caserio has emphasized. He’s said “we view it as 65-70 players,” and that’s exactly how the Texans intend to use it. Rules allow for two players per week to be elevated, with each player allowed three elevations per season.
Key additions:
Jakob Johnson (FB) – Will likely be elevated in heavy packages.
Harrison Bryant (TE) – Another situational elevation option.
Myles Bryant (CB) – Surprising cut but logical PS stash.
Trent Brown (OT) – Big veteran depth piece.
Luke Lachey (TE) – Developmental rookie depth.
Retained multiple UDFAs from this year and last, showing the team values its developmental pipeline.
It's worth noting that Nick Caley said this will be a gameplan offense in the sense that they can cater their approach each week based off the defense they are facing.
Final Takeaway
This is an initial 53, and things will change. The Texans built this roster with depth, versatility, and situational flexibility in mind. Tight end and fullback roles will be carried on the practice squad, with opponents and gameplans dictating when they get called up. The overall depth of the 53, combined with the practice squad, is the deepest this team has had in years. That’s the real takeaway: this Texans team plans to operate with a full “65-70-man roster” mentality, adapting weekly to maximize matchups.
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