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[Houston Texans]

Texans EDGE Will Anderson Jr. makes NFL’s Top 100

Year 3 is looking bright for the young star​

When Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio pulled off the 2023 NFL Draft stunner by grabbing quarterback C.J. Stroud and EDGE Will Anderson Jr back-to-back, it sent a message to the entire football world.

That message? Houston means business.

The following year, Caserio snatched up all-pro EDGE Danielle Hunter to play opposite Anderson Jr.

In his rookie year, Anderson Jr. played in 15 games, starting 13 of them. He racked up 45 combined tackles, 29 solo stops, 22 hits on the quarterback, 10 tackles for loss and 7 sacks.

Once Hunter arrived, Anderson Jr. competed in 14 games, with 37 combined tackles, 27 solo stops, 19 QB hits, 16 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 1 forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

With this season’s locked in secondary, guaranteed to force opposing quarterbacks to hold the ball longer, expect Anderson’s pass defense numbers to rise again.

Every year the NFL tallies votes from the players throughout the league for the best of the best, running that list as a TV series called The NFL’s Top 100.

This year, Anderson Jr. not only made the Top 100, he cracked the topped 50.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. comes in
46 on the NFL 100 List!

“I feel like I’m one of the best right now just complete defensive ends with run stopping and pass rush” pic.twitter.com/6p9fnzMJSf

— Jacob (@TexansJacob) August 6, 2025

Not only has the young start been learning from the wily veteran Hunter, he’s been passing his gained knowledge along to the younger players.

Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. comes in
46 on the NFL 100 List!

“I feel like I’m one of the best right now just complete defensive ends with run stopping and pass rush” pic.twitter.com/6p9fnzMJSf

— Jacob (@TexansJacob) August 6, 2025

In just a few days, we’ll get to see a flash or two of what 2025 Will Anderson Jr. brings to the field when they take on the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium this Saturday at 3pm CST. While most week one preseason games feature pretty vanilla gameplans from all involved, it’s still football. Odds are the starters won’t be on field for very long, but the current depth chart has Anderson Jr. and Hunter starting.

#Texans 1st UNOFFICIAL depth chart
– rookie Ersery starting RT (exactly where he's practiced)
– Patterson starting C, Andrews no. 2 (they've split 1st team reps)
– reflects Pierce as active
– WR Watson ahead of Metchie
– Edwards Jr starting DT, though Settle has gotten 1st team… pic.twitter.com/iLO0Bx46R0

— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) August 5, 2025

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...xans-edge-will-anderson-jr-makes-nfls-top-100

 

[Houston Texans]

Value of Things: By the Numbers

It is that time of year again and it is time to look at the basic numbers from the football game. The Houston Texans didn’t play hardly any of their starters. They didn’t run any of their best plays on offense and defense. The Vikings did run some regulars. So, the 20-10 result is not necessarily indicative of the relative quality of these two teams. After all, the Vikings were breaking in a new quarterback. C.J. Stroud is established.

We run these numbers every week for one main reason. The more data we get the more we begin to understand what actually contributes to winning and losing. Afterwards, we will go with our customary good, bad, and ugly from the game. In some weeks, we will go with great, good, and bad. Obviously, we can’t do that in a loss. So, let’s get started.

The Numbers​

• Total Yards: Texans 53/194, Vikings 64/261
• Rushing Yards: Texans 17/65, Vikings 30/86
• Passing Yards: Texans 36/129, Vikings 34/175
• Sacks: Texans 2, Vikings 2
• Penalties: Texans 8/49, Vikings 4/47
• Turnovers: Texans 3, Vikings 1
• Time of Possession: Texans 26:33, Vikings 33:37

Obviously, there isn’t a ton to hang your hat on with these numbers. The Vikings dominated this game statistically. They gained more yards, they held the ball longer, they committed fewer turnovers, and they committed fewer penalties. Other than that how was the play Ms. Lincoln? Obviously, coaches and analysts alike can dive into the results and find nuggets of gold in what looks like a pile of excrement.

We also have to contend with the idea that they weren’t playing their best players or running their best plays. When a second string guy is going against a first string guy, he is going to struggle. The same is true for third string guy going against the twos. This game was a lot of third string guys. Many of these guys will be bagging groceries or selling insurance in September. We have to keep that in perspective.

The Good​

The second team played only one series and what a series it was. Davis Mills went five for six with a touchdown pass to Braxton Berrios. Dare Ogunbowale had some nice runs. We certainly have had our fair share of fun with Davis Mills over the years. He has been a favorite punching bag in the Hair of the Dog series. However, he has developed into a good backup quarterback. No, I don’t think any good team wants him under center for 17 games. However, if you had to have him for three or four games you could conceivably get out with a .500 record while he’s holding down the fort.

It becomes important to keep things in perspective. Mills was selected in the third round. If you are able to find a good backup quarterback in the third round you have done something good. This becomes important when we get to the bad and ugly categories. There are certainly good and bad performances, but there are also expectations. A lot of it comes down to opportunity costs. What else could you have done with that pick? Is a backup quarterback worth more or less than the other position you could have filled? Mills has worked hard and turned himself into a serviceable quarterback. He deserves his kudos.

The Bad​

I debated the ordering of this for a few hours. One of these categories is for pointing out a potential problems while the ugly category is more for putting a single guy or a single facet of the game on blast. I don’t take that kind of responsibility lightly. After all, these are guys doing the very best they can and many of them will not be a part of the 53 man roster.

With that in mind, I have to focus here on the offensive line. In particular, Zach Thomas seemed to struggle at tackle as he had a false start penalty and allowed a sack in the same series of downs. I can’t bag too much on Thomas. He might not even make the team and if he does make the team he will not be one of the starting tackles. We are more worried about guys like Blake Fisher and Aireontae Ersery. They also had plays where they did not look so good.

In the preseason, this is more about how the whole unit looks. We had an eight yard scramble by the quarterbacks that helps pad those numbers a little. That’s 16 carries and 57 yards by the running backs. My crack math skills peg that at about 3.5 yards per carry. Granted, we did not see Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce, or Nick Chubb. So, we again have to take this with a grain of salt. This is why it gets into the bad column and not the ugly column. However, running the football is a mentality and it is something the Texans have failed to develop consistently since the days of Arian Foster. That is why this will always be a concern.

The Ugly​

The Texans took Graham Mertz in the sixth round. This is where we look at expectations end of things. Yes, there is Tom Brady and guys like Brock Purdy, but for over 90 percent of quarterbacks taken on day three, they will never see meaningful time in an NFL game. This is where we get into the opportunity costs angle of this whole thing. What else could have the Texans taken with that sixth round pick? How likely would that guys have contributed to the Texans at any point?

I don’t remember if I said anything at the time, but I was against the Mertz selection at the time. It has little to do with Mertz himself. He might turn out to be a Davis Mills kind of quarterback at the NFL level. It is much more likely that he will be one of the traveling troubadours of quarterbacks that go from third stringer here to practice squad guy there. That is his likely destination in Houston.

Mertz went seven for 14 in his professional opportunity. That’s not terrible, The three interceptions are terrible. Granted, experts and the coaches will likely tell us that some if not all of those interceptions were not completely his fault. There can be no doubt about that. However, it is fair to say that his debut may have been the roughest of all the quarterbacks in the NFL this preseason. He has two more games to get in before he gets buried at the end of the depth chart. Hopefully, those games go better for him.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-news/70294/value-of-things-by-the-numbers

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans Drop First Preseason Game to Vikings 10-20

The Houston Texans 2025 campaign is not off to the hot start third-year head coach DeMeco Ryans & staff anticipated. After an efficient and effective first offensive drive, the Texans offense stalled out for the remainder of the game.

Familiar woes consumed the Texans throughout the game. False starts, holding calls, and poor run blocking stymied the Texans from defeating the Vikings in their first action of the 2025 preseason.

Houston racked up eight penalties and rookie QB Graham Mertz threw three interceptions in the Texans’ territory in the fourth quarter. It was a thoroughly forgettable outing for the rookie QB in his first game back since tearing his ACL at Florida in mid-October.

Three picks.

Y'all, I don't think Graham Mertz is the answer at QB.

— Battle Red Blog (@battleredblog) August 9, 2025

Davis Mills started the game while C.J. Stroud sitting out the entire contest. He looked efficient in an offense reminiscent of Gary Kubiak’s west-coast scheme. Mills diced up the Vikings defense on his first drive which culminated in a 14 yard pass to Braxton Berrios.

The first-team defense mostly sat out, but the backups severed themselves well. The Vikings completed two field goals to start the game on 12 and 13 play drives respectively. Casey Toohill and newly added Haggai Ndubusi recorded the team’s only sacks. However, the Vikings offense pointedly targeted the pair in the ground game in the second half.

In the second half, the Texans secondary, which was pinned back against its own goal line for the majority of the half, conceded multiple throws to Max Brosmer and Minnesota’s third-string receiving corps. Injuries to C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jaylen Reed in training camp left the secondary thin.

The big winners from the game were Davis Mills, Jaylin Noel, and Braxton Berrios. The two receivers caught five total passes from Mills and Slovis and looked effective in short-yardage plays.

Jaylin Noel turning a screen into a first down. I’m telling y’all be on the lookout pic.twitter.com/RBDPezDTKo

— BELTWAY BOYZ (@beltwayboyz) August 9, 2025

Houston refused to throw the ball downfield, something which has been noted by the media in training camp. When second-year QB Kedon Slovis took over for Mills in the second quarter, the Texans offense opened up a bit, but was still ineffective moving the ball down the field. Slovis went 11/15 on the day had an above-and-away better day than Mertz.

Houston’s next preseason matchup is against the Carolina Panthers next Saturday, August 16 at NRG Stadium. The team will hope to bounce back against the 2023 first overall pick Bryce Young, selected just before Houston’s two picks C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ns-drop-first-preseason-game-to-vikings-10-20

 

[Houston Texans]

The Day After the Day After: Houston Texans start the preseason with a loss

The Day After the Day After…when the raw, immediate emotions from the aftermath of a game diminish into the realm of clarity and the proverbial (or literal) hangover no longer haunts the mind. With that, a review of Preseason Week 1:

Ginormous caveat, this is the 1st preseason game: There weren’t a lot of the big stars for Houston that saw the field for this one. Given that it was the 1st preseason game, it is hardly surprising. Bad enough injuries impact players in practice (see CJ Garnder-Johnson), but to have an injury during this game, arguably the least impactful for the fortunes of the team, yeah, you could understand if Stroud, Anderson, Collins, et al, didn’t see the field. Some of the offensive lineman that Houston will rely on upfront did play, with varying degrees of success. Mainly this game was about the back of the roster. All of those factors need to cage any analysis of this game.

That being said…

Quick release/short passing game seems to be the modus operandi: For Houston, it was a steady diet of 3-step drops/quick passes/running plays. Part of that is you won’t see a lot of elaborate play designs in these early games. Some of that is just getting guys back into game shape/play. Still, Houston didn’t try to push the ball down the field too much, or when they did try, it didn’t amount to a lot of success. This could be a result of line play, or concern therein, as Houston QBs, especially after the 1st series, didn’t exactly have a lot of time to throw the ball down the field for the big hitter plays, even with Metchie, Hutchinson, Higgins and Noel on the field. The short passing game can work, but if you don’t stretch the field, it severely limits what an offense can do.

The Biggest Battle on Display: 3rd string QB: This season, no dispute on #2 QB slot on the roster. Mills opened as the starter and aside from one bad end-zone overthrow, looked sharp, leading the Texans down the field for a TD. After that, the offense was helmed by Kedon Slovis (11 of 15 for 71 yards/sacked twice) and Graham Mertz (7 of 14 for 27 yards, 3 INTs). Neither jumps out at you. Slovis led the squad to a FG to open the second half for Houston. As for Mertz…well, the good is that he showed some remarkable mobility for a guy who tore his ACL less than a calendar year ago, particularly on a 1st and 10 scramble that netted Houston 9 yards. Unfortunately, Mertz’s last three drives ended with those 3 INTs, two of which were terrible passes (one tipped). Sure, only a preseason game (recall Stroud’s rookie debut of 2-of-4 for 13 yards/1 INT.), but Slovis moved ahead in the battle for the QB3 spot.

You have to feel for those second-half players: Early preseason is not exactly the garden spot for watching or analyzing NFL games. The quality of play is not exactly wonderful, and even the commentators are more apt to talk about those players not on the field rather than analyze the actions of those throwing every ounce of effort to try to make a roster. In one respect, you can see that. Why waste brainpower to analyze and learn about a player who might never grace a TV screen ever again? I’ll give the commentators for the TV broadcast some credit for at least acknowledging the names of those players and their immediate actions. There are some preseason games that late in the second half, they can hardly be bothered to actually talk about the game. I know the ratings for most preseason games fall dramatically in the second half, but still, it can feel like a disservice to those players that are getting perhaps their only chance to live out their dreams on the NFL field, and for the attention to be on anything but the field of play.

1: Total number of wins by Houston Texans in Minnesota. We already know that Houston can’t beat the Vikings in the regular season (0-6 all time). However, they actually have a win in Minnesota against the Vikings…in the preseason. That one came in 2013, when they won 28-24. Yes, the season that the Texans actually won more games in the preseason (3) than they did in the regular season (2). The Texans now have a 2-4 preseason record against the Vikings.

• 2009: L 17-10 (@ HOU)
• 2011: L 28-0 (@ MIN)
• 2012: W 28-24 (@ HOU)
• 2013: W 27-13 (@ MIN)
• 2025: L 20-10 (@ MIN)

6: Successful long snaps by LS Austin Brinkman. Only has to do that 2,151 more times to match the accomplishments of his predecessor. Oh, and play for 15 years for the same team. No pressure.

View Link

Fans: The return of football. Sure, you may not have watched all that much of the game, but the kickoff of preseason means that the regular season is that much closer to reality, and for that, we can all be thankful that the long football drought is over.

Vikings WR Rondale Moore: Been a tough ride for a talented guy. Lost all last season due to injury (preseason at that). A new team, comes out, and gets injured in his first preseason game. He was such a talent at Purdue. Didn’t work out in Arizona, but hate to see this happen. Kind of the fate of Houston’s Brevin Jordan after his most recent leg injury.

C Jake Andrews: Granted, not all of the 1st OL players were in the game, and those that played were mostly done after the 1st drive. Yet, one player that really stood out in watching that first drive was Jake Andrews at center. The biggest weakness for the line was the interior. Not that Jarrett Patterson was super horrible (most of the blame falls on the LG position aka Kenyon Green), but Andrews locked down the middle. He got some good push upfront and held the interior steady enough for Davis Mills to find open receivers in the passing attack. This was against the Brian Flores called defense (he called the plays for the 1st series). True, Aireontae Ersery also played quite well at LT, but was impressed with what I saw with Andrews.

OT Zach Thomas: Depth piece for camp and is not assured of making the final roster. However, he surrendered 3 key pressures, making life difficult for Slovis, and authored a false start to boot. Hope his practice results were better, ’cause what he showed in the game did not offer a lot of goodness for his Texans future.

QB Graham Mertz: It was but one game. However, that performance was NOT what a 6th rounder that wants to work his way up the roster needs to show. Yes, still recovering from the ACL, but the ACL wasn’t responsible for those bad INT throws. Best case is that he ends up on a practice squad to further rehab/acclimate to the NFL.

With that, preseason game 1 is in the book. Houston will play its second preseason game (and the only one at home) against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, Aug 16th with a noon CDT kickoff.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ouston-texans-start-the-preseason-with-a-loss

 

[Houston Texans]

Ten Takeaways from the Houston Texans’ Preseason Game against Minnesota

1. Davis Mills is legit​

Mills led Houston’s first and only touchdown drive of the game and unveiled the new offense under Nick Caley for the first time. He went 4/5 for 50 yards and a touchdown to veteran, free agent receiver Braxton Berrios. While there is no competition at QB in Houston, fans can sleep soundly knowing that the team possesses two capable QBs.

2. The toughest cut will be at the wide receiver position​

The receivers showed out in their first preseason game with John Metchie III’s five catches on eight targets, Berrios’ touchdown, and Xavier Hutchinson’s two strong receptions.

Jaylin Noel is a legit RAC weapon

The Texans have the deepest WR room in the NFL imo pic.twitter.com/7T9nge6n35

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) August 9, 2025

The Texans tend to keep six receivers, but with Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel all locks, the three above receivers must compete for two spots.

3. Darrell Taylor will be a great addition to the defensive line​

Taylor was the most dominant pass rusher on the team. His PFF grade of 66.9 led all defensive linemen. He generated a consistent pass rush throughout the first half and supported the run game by funnelling plays back into the teeth of the defense. He has been flourishing with Denico Autry and Derek Barnett out throughout training camp.

4. E.J. Speed brings the SWARM mentality​

No defensive player stood out more in the preseason game than Speed. He tallied three tackles, a tackle for loss, and broke up a pass. His 92.0 PFF grade led the entire team. Speed had a huge hit in the first quarter to shut down a run play on the boundary. While he currently is the backup, Speed brings depth and tenacity to the linebacker group.

Nice read by EJ Speed here, you can see his eyes heavy on the backfield holding for the backside play action. Read execute. pic.twitter.com/nZMNYLnUsd

— TexansCap (@TexansCap) August 10, 2025

5. Mertz looks healthy, but not ready for the bright lights​

Three interceptions in a row is a death knell for a rookie QB. Low passes, tipped balls, and errant throws due to miscommunication ruined Mertz’s first game back since tearing his ACL last October at Florida. He looked distinctly worse than second-year QB Kedon Slovis. Mertz wasn’t in the competition to make the roster, but he has a lot to prove to earn a spot on the Texans’ practice squad at this point.

6. Texans’ secondary depth isn’t as talented as hoped​

Injuries to C.J. Garner-Johnson and rookie Jaylen Reed zapped the depth out of this elite group. The Texans’ second and third-string defensive backs struggled in protection and gave up multiple deep throws in the third and fourth quarters. Namely, Russ Yeast, M.J. Stewart, and rookie Jaylin Smith were targeted quite often in the passing game. Hopefully, Houston can get back either CJDJ or Reed soon to bolster the depth in this important positional group.

7. The offense trusts Dare Ogumbowale​

All the hype this offseason has been around rookie fourth-rounder Woody Marks and 2024 sixth-rounder Jawhar Jordan, but it was Ogumbowale who had the most productive outing. With Nick Chubb, Joe Mixon, and Dameon Pierce not participating in this game, the healthy trio of Ogumbowale, Marks, and Jordan carried the backfield. Ogumbowale led with five carries for 29 yards, while Jordan only amassed 18 yards on six runs.

8. New faces on offense, still the same issues​

Houston racked up multiple false starts and holding calls on offense, the bane of this team’s existence. Zach Thomas and Blake Fisher each committed a false start, and neither looked particularly capable on Saturday either. Maybe there’s something in the water at NRG, but nothing seems to kick the issues plaguing the offensive line.

9. The Gary Kubiak System is BACK​

Bootlegs, play-action passes, and three-step drops under center… what is this, 2008? The first preseason game delivered a live-action demonstration of the Nick Caley offense. Caley comes from the Sean McVay and New England Patriots systems, which are predicated on play action and short passes. While I can’t imagine the new offensive coordinator showed all (or any) of his cards on Saturday, it is intriguing to see the Texans run such a familiar system once again.

10. C.J. Stroud criticism for not participating is warranted​

The Texans are trying to win a Super Bowl. They have a completely new offense, offensive line, rookie receivers, and a rookie running back. They all need reps together with the starting QB. Waiting until the season for those reps to occur is unprofessional and weak. It’s one thing for them to practice together; it’s another to test them in the preseason. While Stroud had a fantastic rookie campaign, that doesn’t mean he should be exempt from improving through preseason games.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...uston-texans-preseason-game-against-minnesota

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans With the Most to Gain in the Preseason Matchup vs. the Panthers

Texans football is just days away. While the front office continues to add new faces to the team due to injuries, several players on the roster have a lot on the line in the first preseason game. This list focuses on players who can make real strides in securing a role or even simply a roster spot based on their performance this Saturday. Rookies are included, but I try to keep this list to players on the knife’s edge of making the roster.

I’ve included each player’s jersey number so you can follow along during the game.

Darrell Taylor, DE – #52​

Houston’s newest DE pass rusher is in a volatile situation due to injuries and limited roster spots. He needs to take full advantage of this game with Autry and Barnett out. Both veterans are dealing with injuries and have yet to practice, which elevates Taylor to the clear-cut second string DE behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Another good outing on top of last Saturday’s game could solidify his spot while putting heat on the injured vets to return.

Braxton Berrios, WR – #17​

Based on the Texans recent depth chart, Berrios is projected to be cut from the roster. This is Berrios’ first training camp in Houston… and maybe his last. He has fallen behind rookie Jaylin Noel and veteran Christian Kirk for the slot receiver role. However, Berrios shined in the first preseason game, catching the team’s sole TD in the first series.

To make the roster, he must demonstrate he still has potential in the slot; being the best punt returner won’t cut it in this deep wide receiver room.

Cade Stover, TE – #87​

Stover’s rookie campaign was cut short due to a collarbone injury suffered in the Wild Card game. He’s returned healthy, but faces competition for reps. Houston drafted Luke Lachey in the seventh round to address run blocking woes, which Stover and the tight end committee struggled with in 2024. Stover needs to demonstrate his health, utility, and development in a crucial season for the second-year TE.

Plus, the news that Brevin Jordan is out for the season with another torn ACL means Stover is the TE2… but is he ready for that responsibility?

Blake Fisher, OT – #57​

No player has disappointed more in training camp than Fisher. Currently, he’s running with the backups – even behind newly acquired OT Connor McDermott. On Monday, Scott wrote about Fisher already being labeled a bust. Rookie Aireentay Ersery has overtaken him as the starting right tackle, which is a tough look for last year’s second round pick to have already conceded. Fisher is desperate to demonstrate his development as a right tackle prospect. I’ve been curious if a move to right guard is feasible, but that has yet to be tested by the coaching staff.

Nick Neimann, LB – #32​

For many of you, this could be your first team hearing of Niemann. The veteran LB specializes in run-stopping, special teams, and replaces Neville Hewitt’s role from last season. With Christian Harris finally back, an impressive second preseason game from Neimann can bolster his chances of making the roster. He went from cut to making the roster on the second edition of the rosterology, and he can further entrench himself in the role with a strong performance.

Luke Lachey, TE – #42​

Many of the above players are on the inside-looking-out. For the seventh-round rookie, it’s an uphill climb to make the roster. Lachey sits last on the depth chart Lachey’s frame and experience at Iowa make him an ideal run blocking, play action tight end in this system. However, it doesn’t appear he’s fully adapted to the size and speed of the NFL. If he can show out against Minnesota, he can start the conversation for the Texans keeping four tight ends.

Tommy Togiai, DT – #72​

The defensive tackle room is a mess. Houston added two pieces this early in training camp to simply get through practice. In 2024, Togai was a practice squad player who carved out a nice role for himself by the end of the season. This year, he’s firmly claimed the second-string role alongside Mario Edwards Jr. With all of the injuries and new faces, Togiai needs to distance himself from the injured options (Foley Fatukasi and Kurt Hinish) before they return.

Jawhar Jordan, RB – #22​

After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, Jordan has proven himself worthy of a look in training camp. He has improved his stock the most since Joe Mixon’s injury, standing out as the best between-the-tackles RB in the group. Arguably, he’s outplayed Nick Chubb. Jordan is slated to tote the rock quite often this Saturday, as he lead the team last week in carries. Rosterology 2.0 predicted he will land on the practice squad once again, but this time he has a real shot to make it.

Jakob Johnson, FB/TE – #43​

In a relatively unknown offensive system, players such as Jakob Johnson live in the void. He’s currently listed as the fifth tight end in a position that tends to only hold three players. However, this offense may desperately need and often incorporate a dual-purpose player such as Johnson. Houston recently re-signed Dalton Keene for the same utility role as Johnson, which adds another layer of complexity to Johnson’s ascension onto the roster.

Tremon Smith, CB – #11​

There’s a three-person race for two spots in the cornerback room. Obviously, Kamari Lassiter, Derek Stingley Jr., and third round pick Jaylin Smith are in. The last two spots are between Tremon Smith, D’Angelo Ross, and Myles Bryant. Both Ross and Bryant were on the team in 2024, but Smith comes to us from Chicago where he was a special teams ace. He has distinguished himself in coverage well this training camp and could be another depth piece in a fantastic secondary, but first he needs to claim his spot on Saturday. He should see a ton of reps while the first string DBs sit out.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...gain-in-the-preseason-matchup-vs-the-panthers

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans News: Template

Houston Texans News

Texans OC Nick Caley weighing if he’ll call plays from booth, or sideline: ‘Just want to see what works best for us’ (KPRC 2 Houston)

[URL='https://www.nfl.com/news/next-woman-up-hannah-mcnair-vp-of-the-houston-texans-foundation']Next Woman Up: Hannah McNair, VP of the Houston Texans Foundation[/URL] (NFL.com)

Texans unveil new gameday food, drinks and fan experiences for 2025 season (KHOU 11 Houston)

Offense has strong day, two key defenders return | Houston Texans training camp observations (Houston Chronicle)

[URL='https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/texans-place-te-brevin-jordan-on-ir-sign-ot-conor-mcdermott']Texans place TE Brevin Jordan on IR, sign OT Conor McDermott[/URL] (Pro Football Talk)

NFL News

[URL='https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45973959/sources-disciplinary-hearing-chiefs-rice-expected-sept-30']Sources: NFL hearing for Rice expected Sept. 30[/URL] (ESPN.com)

[URL='https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45973801/court-agrees-brian-flores-suit-vs-nfl-3-teams-go-trial']Court agrees Flores’ suit vs. NFL can go to trial[/URL] (ESPN.com)

[URL='https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45966684/browns-qb-shedeur-sanders-sits-practice-oblique-injury']Browns’ Sanders (oblique) unlikely to play Sat.[/URL] (ESPN.com)

[URL='https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45966147/cowboys-jerry-jones-says-no-tumors-stage-4-melanoma']Cowboys’ Jones: Experimental drug saved my life[/URL] (ESPN.com)

[URL='https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45968646/ex-bronco-taylor-1st-100-catches-nfl-season-dies']Ex-Broncos receiving great Taylor dies at age 89[/URL] (ESPN.com)

[URL='https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45966844/falcons-michael-penix-jr-involved-practice-fight-vs-titans']Falcons’ Penix involved in practice fight vs. Titans[/URL] (ESPN.com)

[URL='https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45965979/lamar-jackson-withdraws-challenge-aikman-no-8-trademarks']Lamar pulls challenge of Aikman No. 8 trademark[/URL] (ESPN.com)

[URL='https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45969032/jerry-jones-says-preventing-cowboys-micah-parsons-talking']Jerry on what’s preventing Parsons talks: ‘Nothing’[/URL] (ESPN.com)

Houston & Collegiate Sports

Astros call-up relief pitcher, option starter before game vs. Red Sox (Sporting News)

Hunter Brown bolstering Cy Young candidacy, learning ‘how to separate himself from the rest’ (The Athletic)

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/battl...otes-links/70341/houston-texans-news-template

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers: Players to Watch

The Houston Texans played their first preseason game against the Vikings in Minnesota last weekend, and are now heading into their first home matchup, this time against the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina probably feels very up in the air about their quarterback Bryce Young, which means that he is always looking to prove himself, and show that he is that guy, whenever he receives the opportunity, and they have built several weapons around him to provide much needed help.

Here are three players that you need to keep your eye on throughout the second game of the preseason:

WIDE RECEIVER BRAXTON BERRIOS​

Berrios is in a crowded wide receiver room in Houston, and has been fighting for a spot on the roster. After last weekend, it is safe to say that Berrios has put himself in a favorable position with his recent performance.

The veteran caught three passes for 33 yards and a touchdown from quarterback Davis Mills, who also had a great performance.

It felt like Berrios was able to get open quickly, and create space for Mills to get him the ball, which bodes well for his chances of making the team.

RUNNING BACK WOODY MARKS​

Woody Marks was drafted by Houston in the fourth-round of this past draft, and he has been working his way up the roster, and gaining the trust of the coaching staff, and he continued that this past weekend, and it may not be in the way that you initially think.

You may look at the rushing stats of Marks in this game, and it was not great, rushing three times for only four yards, but his real impact was in the passing game, specifically his ability to protect the quarterback.

One way that you stay highly regarded on the roster as an offensive weapon is your ability to block, and he showed a glimpse of what he could do on a consistent basis, despite the actual stats not being there quite yet.

LINEBACKER E.J. SPEED​

Speed has been with Houston’s division rival, the Indianapolis Colts for the past six years, but has now signed a one-year deal with the Texans and is off to a strong start.

If there’s one thing that stood out when watching Speed, it was his ability to quickly diagnose plays, which leads to negative plays for the opposing offense.

The former Colt has not yet earned a starting spot on the Texans defense, but it would not be a shock to see him get deep into the rotation as the season goes on.

WHEN & WHERE​

Houston will have a joint-practice with the Panthers on Thursday, along with their preseason matchup on Saturday afternoon.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/general/70324/houston-texans-vs-carolina-panthers-players-to-watch

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Preseason: 5 Players on Offense to Watch vs. Carolina Panthers

The NFL Preseason is well underway, and the Houston Texans’ upcoming Week 2 preseason game vs. the Carolina Panthers will be another opportunity for the new crop of playmakers in battle red to make their mark. Texans fans will be darting their eyes across the field on both sides of the ball to get a glimpse at the new free agent signings and rookies, but the offense is clearly the side of most interest in 2025. After a regressed 2024 effort, the Texans are taking steps towards a refreshed and re-tooled offense, headed by new offensive coordinator and McVay/McDaneils guru Nick Caley, known for his work with quarterbacks Tom Brady and more recently with Matthew Stafford.

So, even though it’s the preseason, the many new faces of Texans Offense 3.0 have given fans plenty to anticipate and analyze when they saw action against the Minnesota Vikings in week one. This fresh and new scheme will not only seek to revitalize current Texans players like CJ Stroud and Dalton Schultz, but will also reveal to the fans new stars on the roster that will flourish under the new offensive braintrust. Who could those new stars be? What new name will we be hollering at the top of our lungs this season? Well, I have five guesses, and each one is better than the last!

5. WR Jayden Higgins​

• Height: 6’ 4”
• Weight: 214 lbs.
• Arm: 33 1/8”
• Hand: 9 1/8”
• Combine: 40-Yard Dash: 4.47s; 10-Yard Split: 1.53s; Vertical Jump: 39”; Broad Jump: 10’ 8”
• 2024 Statistics: 13 Games, 87 Receptions on 129 Targets (67.4 Rec%), 1,183 Yards (13.6 Y/R), 9 Receiving Touchdowns, 90.3 PFF

One of the most anticipated players of the 2025 Houston Texans preseason has been Jayden Higgins. If you head to Kenneth Levy’s film review of Higgins from last month, you’ll come away with the impression that Higgins, is a tall and raw athlete that could be a fantastic jump-ball receiver.

“As a young wide receiver, Higgins has the tools to become a high-end WR2 in the league. He pairs well with the current cast and has flexibility to play anywhere on the field. While other analysts compare him to Nico Collins or Drake London, he reminds me of a lesser Tee Higgins. The route nuance, top-end speed, and catch radius are all three characteristics of an NFL receiver. If he can improve getting in and out of his breaks with his tall frame he will accelerate his growth considerably.” – Kenneth Levy

Jayden Higgins

CJ Stroud’s future WR2 pairing with Nico Collins.

One of the best asymmetric opportunities going into 2025 season. We saw the production of Tank Dell. pic.twitter.com/Od3okUKgDc

— Elite Drafters (@Elite_Drafters) May 28, 2025

He only caught two passes for eight yards in the first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, so the jury is still out on Higgins’ ability in the NFL. But, if he is able to become a contributor quickly, Houston’s passing attack could immediately be far deadlier than it ever was last year. The size and intangibles are there and in spades, but you don’t have to go very far back to find another talented, tall Iowa State wide receiver that failed to reach expectations for Houston: Xavier Hutchinson. Hutchinson wasn’t quite as aggressive of a receiver as Higgins was in college (especially when going after jump balls), but it’s hard not to notice the similarities between the two players. Tall, fast, and both elusive despite their size, one can only hope that Jayden Higgins doesn’t end up in the same doldrums that have plagued Hutchinson since arriving in the NFL, but there’s also a possibility they both gel together in the facility and actually improve as a pair! Getting similar athletes next to one another can be a great way to improving on one another’s strengths, but there’s no guarantee either will become the stars in Caserio’s eye.

Losing Stefon Diggs, and then eventually Tank Dell to season-ending injuries took a lot of the teeth out of Houston’s passing game, backup receiver John Metchie and the aforementioned Hutchinson unable to compensate for the lost starters. Now with seven new receivers hopping on the Texans train ( Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Daniel Jackson, Xavier Johnson, Christian Kirk, and Justin Watson), a very wide pool has been set in order to find more reliable depth at the position. Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios are known quantities, but it’s anyone’s guess how much of an impact Jayden Higgins might make in his first year.

4. RB Jawhar Jordon​

• Height: 5’ 9 1/2”
• Weight: 193 lbs.
• Arm: 30 1/8”
• Hand: 8 1/2”
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.56s

The Texans running back room is crowded with veteran talent at the top with a load of preseason darlings at the bottom, Jawhar Jordan fitting into the latter of those two groups. Undersized yet packed like a spark plug, Jordan became a bell cow back in his final years in Louisville, but was unable to crack the 53-man roster after being drafted 205th overall by the Texans in the 2024 NFL Draft. He lost the battle for the final spots on the roster to similarly spunky running backs J.J. Taylor and British Brooks, who both return to Houston this preseason to potentially clog up Jordan’ lane to the field again.

Both Taylor, Brooks, and Jordan have already absorbed some snaps this preseason, all appearing in the Week 1 preseason matchup against the Vikings. Brooks was actually listed as a fullback for this game, but he and Taylor still appeared like the same preseason jitterbugs they were last year. Thankfully, Jordan was able to compile a few highlight-worthy moments in the joint practice with the Carolina Panthers, but good tape in practice won’t get you onto the final roster.

One thing that I have been saying throughout camp is that with more reps we could really see what RB Jawhar Jordan has to offer. #Texans #Sarge #TexansTailgateTalk pic.twitter.com/WfoO5GKXbd

— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) August 15, 2025

Along with the usual suspects, Jawhar Jordan will also have to contend with veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks for the last spots on the roster. These new faces in battle red have made the air a whole lot thinner in the running backs’ room, but that doesn’t mean Jordan is doomed this year. He made the practice squad last year and has already made some nice plays this preseason, but in a room full of similarly talented and unproven athletes, he’s going to have to really set himself apart – either through great pass blocking, speed, or something similar – if he wants to be on the final 53-man roster.

3. RT Blake Fisher​

• Height: 6’ 6”
• Weight: 310 lbs.
• Arm: 34 3/8”
• Hand: 10”
• 40-Yard Dash: 5.2 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 28”
• Broad Jump: 9’ 6”

By all accounts, this has been a rough training camp and preseason for Blake Fisher. Training camp twitter fingers were aflutter every time Fisher was beat in practice or while playing against Minnesota, suddenly confirming many skeptics’ fears that he was simply too sloppy and too unbalanced for starting reps. Once a highly touted prospect out of Notre Dame, Fisher’s few successful snaps in NFL action leaves little hope in a jaded Texans fan desperate for a consistent tackle. Clearly unimpressed, Houston’s front office followed up that Vikings game by signing former New England Patriots tackle Conor McDermott, a veteran swing tackle who’s made a career out of filling in leaky spots on the o-line.

If Fisher isn’t able to flip the script before the preseason is over, this will be another one of general manager Nick Caserio’s draft busts along the offensive line. The Kenyon Green experiment officially ended in March when he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, Juice Scruggs has yet to solidify a position along the interior line, and the addition of Blake Fisher makes this a grizzly trifecta of linemen with the Caserio seal of approval. Hey, speaking of Juice Scruggs…

This video is so funny bcz on one side you have a rookie in Ersery who is holding his own against a first round edge rusher, Dallas Turner, and on the other side you have a 2nd yr Blake Fisher who’s getting beat BADLYpic.twitter.com/z73IC7HDuv

— PakiTexan (@PakiTexan12) August 10, 2025

2. G/C Juice Scruggs OR G/C Jarrett Patterson​

Scruggs:

• Height: 6’ 3”
• Weight: 301 lbs.
• Arm: 33 1/4”
• Hand: 10 1/4”
• 40-Yard Dash: 5.22s
• Vertical Jump: 32”
• Broad Jump: 8’ 6”

Because of the remarkably similar position both of these third-year interior lineman find themselves in, I couldn’t decide which one to focus on and decided to go with both here. Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson have epitomized Houston’s current dilemma on offense: Clearly talented and capable of great things, but unable to mold their individual strengths into a quality team. The stagnation here has been a nagging thorn to Texans’ brass and Texans fans alike, and 2025 seems to be where Nick Caserio reached his breaking point: signing guards Ed Ingram and Laken Tomlinson, center Jake Andrews, then signing undrafted free agent center Eli Cox from Kentucky. Pair these four signings with the three new tackles donning battle red this preseason, and you get seven reasons to believe Houston’s front office is desperate to cure these o-line blues.

Juice Scruggs has worked his tail off from OTAs to this point of the preseason to see meaningful snaps. He's almost there, but I'd like to see him finish the second level block better. pic.twitter.com/LMRWhJuqxK

— TexansCap (@TexansCap) August 10, 2025

Scruggs enters his third season in Houston on a razor’s edge. He possesses the agile lower body and brute strength to be a modern NFL guard or center and has displayed as much on tape, but he is still prone to lapses in quality reps. He arrives at 2025 Training Camp under more pressure to show out thanks to the veterans nipping at his heels any time he makes a mistake, but Scruggs will not give up his spot on 1st team easily. Expect plenty of good competition along the interior offensive line as these players battle for positioning, but that doesn’t necessarily mean these linemen will stack up to any opponent. If the fates of the aforementioned Kenyon Green and teammate Shaq Mason are any indication, Scruggs days in Houston are numbered if he doesn’t impress soon.

Patterson:

• Height: 6’ 5”
• Weight: 306 lbs.
• Arm: 31 3/8”
• Hand: 10”
• 40-Yard Dash: 5s
• Vertical Jump: 28”
• Broad Jump: 9’ 6”

Jarrett Patterson is basically the flip side of the Juice Scruggs coin, performing at the same good, but not great level he has occupied since joining the Texans. Patterson is going to be pushed by fellow centers Eli Cox and Jake Andrews, and given Andrews history with offensive coordinator Nick Caley and offensive line coach Cole Poppovich when they were all in New England, Patterson’s days starting at center may be over. But, since Patterson has been an acceptable interior lineman despite being a sixth round pick, his position on the roster is probably a bit more secure than others. But, if Eli Cox or LaDarius Henderson are able to put up comparable tape this preseason, one of these two 2023 draftees could find themselves off the roster come September.

1. LT Aireontae Ersery​

• Height: 6’ 6”
• Weight: 331 lbs.
• Arm: 33 1/8”
• Hand: 9 1/2”
• Combine: 40-Yard Dash: 5.01s; 10-Yards Split: 1.75s; Vertical Jump: 29.5”; Broad Jump: 9’ 3”; Bench Press: 25 Reps
• 2024 Statistics: 691 Snaps at LT; 77.5 PFF (77.3 PBLK, 73.6 RBLK); 1 Sack; 1 Hit; 10 Hurries; 3 Penalties

To me, Aireontae Ersery is the biggest story of the offseason. When a front office decides to move on from a player like Laremy Tunsil, people take notice. When a front office decides to move on from Laremy Tunsil in the middle of a Super Bowl window, people start laughing. Getting rid of the team’s best lineman in the middle of a crisis along the offensive line is…a decision…but all skepticism can be put to rest if second-round pick Aireontae Ersery is able to hit the ground running. He certainly has the size, but Ersery will need far more than some quality snaps against Vikings’ rusher Dallas Turner to make me a believer. Ersery succeeded in washing away Turner through his legs and wide wingspan, but it’ll be interesting to see if he can do the same against Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jared Verse or Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Joshua Hines-Allen. Ersery has already looked more NFL ready than some draft analysts were predicting, but it’s a long way to the top of the depth chart.

Fortunately for Ersery, there are already two tackles likely to start in front of him – Cam Robinson and Tytus Howard. Neither of these players will replace the hole left by Laremy Tunsil, but if Ersery is able to continue stacking positive performances week after week, he could find himself bookending either side of the line come December. I’m trying to keep my expectations as measured as possible right now, because if Nick Caserio recent draft history has taught us anything, it’s that his eye for offensive lineman hasn’t gotten Houston very far ahead of the worst offensive line in the NFL. Maybe Aireontae Ersery will be the first Caserio draftee to break through that glass ceiling, but as of right now, I will remain cautiously optimistic. Watch for his performance against fellow 2025 draftees Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, both equipped with physical traits that can overwhelm a tackle like Ersery. If there’s a potential for him to make Houston’s starting lineup, his ability will need to be abundantly clear against these rookies.

And that’s the list! It was very difficult for me not to include Jaylin Noel nor Woody Marks on this list, but the more experienced Texans that are searching for a path to the final roster deserve some attention, too! What do you think, though? Will Aireontae Ersery end up becoming Houston’s next star left tackle, will Jawhar Jordan finally become that diamond in the rough tailback we’ve all been looking for, or will all of these players end up being disappointments? Let us know down in the comments below!

GO TEXANS!!!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...yers-on-offense-to-watch-vs-carolina-panthers

 

[Houston Texans]

CJ Gardner-Johnson injury update

The Houston Texans had a big scare when newly minted, Super Bowl safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a knee injury leading up to the 1st pre-season game against the Minnesota Vikings. As often happens in training camp/preseason, details were scarce and hard information harder to find than a current championship in Dallas.

Thankfully, Texans head coach Demeco Ryans let us know the injury won’t end the 2025 season for the fiery safety.

Demeco Ryans (via KPRC 2 Houston)

Thankfully, we’ll be seeing him back on the field this year.

In response to the short-term need for safety help, Texans general manager Nick Caserio brought in Jalen Mills to help out in the defensive backfield.

The #Texans are signing veteran Safety Jalen Mills. CJ Gardner-Johnson is out with injury and Jimmie Ward is facing legal issues.#NFL #NFLnews #NFLPreseason pic.twitter.com/OKG3ayIPql

— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhifer) August 10, 2025

ESPN.com

Mills brings veteran experience, having played nine seasons in the NFL after being a 2016 seventh-round pick for the Philadelphia Eagles. After four years in Philadelphia, he signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2021. Mills spent last season with the New York Jets.

He has played in 115 career games (91 starts) and has 59 passes defended, 8 interceptions and 450 tackles.

NFL’s Adam Schefter had initially reported CJGJ was out with a season-ending ACL tear. In the not-so-distant past this was often a career-ending injury. Thankfully, sports medicine and physical therapy advancements bring players back faster than ever.

Justin David Kish

Despite the positive news, there is currently no timetable for a return to the field for the star defensive back. Houston is thin in the secondary with Gardner-Johnson’s injury, Jimmie Ward’s off-the-field issues, and Jaylen Reed recently getting injured on special teams play. Calen Bullock and M.J. Stewart sit as the top safeties on the Texans roster.

Pro Football Insider

If Gardner-Johnson can’t play week one, Mills will likely see some snaps at safety along with fourth-year star Jalen Pitre.

The Texans’ defense expects to be one of he best in the NFL this season, featuring star rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, as well as a secondary that includes superstar cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and second-year stars Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock.

Hopefully CJGJ is back in action quickly, but not so quick he hasn’t fully healed. Expect more news on this in the hours leading up to this weekend’s bout with the visiting Carolina Panthers. The Texans home field opener starts at noon this Saturday.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/nfl-preseason/70330/cj-gardner-johnson-injury-update