The Houston Texans have again shuffled their roster, this time as they visit the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. Houston emerged from their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers banged up, but neither move addresses its most pressing issue.
Still, the Texans did bolster their depth at a key spot given some of the developments in that victory.
Their first practice report of the week could prove telling in that regard.
Texans Bring Recent Draft Pick Back on Practice Squad Roster
GettyBrandon Hill #36 looks on during the first day of Houston Texans Rookie Minicamp.
The Texans announced via their official team website on January 14 that they “signed the following player to the practice squad,” naming safety Brandon Hill. Hill was a seventh-round draft pick, taken 248th overall by the Texans in 2023.
Hill has placed in two games in his career, and none since his rookie campaign.
He has yet to record a stat, logging one snap on defense and 25 on special teams, per Pro Football Reference.
“Aggressive down safety with above-average cover traits but below-average instincts and consistency in run support. Hill is an equal opportunity hitter regardless of position or size of the opponent,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote before the 2023 draft.
“He needs to balance forceful striking with more wrap-up tackling. He is twitchy and plays with closing speed, which might make him a better fit for man coverage than zone, where he struggles to play with awareness and discipline. Hill has the demeanor and skill level to compete for a backup spot and should find special teams snaps early in his NFL career.
The Texans waived the 25-year-old DB in March and re-signed him in December.
They again released Hill, one week later, only for him to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad one week after that. With the Raiders’ season over, Hill was a free agent.
Hill joins a Texans secondary featuring Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre, who plays nickelback, with Jalen Reed occupying the other deep role. Reed returned for the Wild Card from an injury-related absence that sidelined him for the final six weeks of the regular season.
The Texans’ roster has been in constant flux on the back end, and Hill is the latest adjustment.
Texans Part Ways With UDFA OL
GettyJaylon Thomas #72 of the Houston Texans follows as Graham Mertz #18 scrambles against the Carolina Panthers.
The Texans also announced that they “released the following player from the practice squad,” with reserve offensive tackle Jaylon Thomas. Thomas, 25, has played in one regular-season game in his career, which also came during the 2023 campaign with the Texans.
Like Hill, Thomas has bounced around between the Texans’ practice squad and free agency during his career.
The 2023 UDFA has also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.
The Texans may just be shuffling their practice squad. Still, Thomas’ departure from the Texans’ roster is another encouraging sign following uncertainty around several starters heading into last weekend’s Wild Card win over the Steelers.
All five starters–Aireontae Ersery, Tytus Howard, Jake Andrews, Ed Ingram, and Trent Brown–finished the contest healthy.
The Texans have depth options on their 53-man roster.
All five of the Texans’ starting O-linemen have also dealt with injuries this season, missing at least one game each. The Texans could always look to bring Thomas back, even on their practice squad roster, later in the week or after the game.
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