Houston Texans have a little room for error today. They host the Dallas Cowboys at 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium with an 0-3 record. Dallas enters at 1-2, so both teams need a win to keep their seasons from slipping early. For Houston, an 0-4 start would be especially difficult to overcome.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is not merely questionable anymore, he has been ruled out with a groin injury. M.J. Stewart is also out, while several other Texans remain questionable. The good news is that Nico Collins is active after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury. His return gives C.J. Stroud a major weapon against Dallas.
The Cowboys’ defense on the other hand, has struggled early, allowing 27.3 points per game, while several defensive players are also dealing with injuries.
With both teams desperate, Houston has been busy reshaping its depth. Here is a look at every recent roster move made by the Texans ahead of Week 4.
Texans Sign Help at Several Positions
Houston has made several moves to strengthen its depth, particularly with injuries hitting the defense and running back room.
David Brytus-Imagn Images
Dare Ogunbowale: The Texans signed the running back off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad on September 29. His arrival adds another experienced option to a running back room that has taken multiple hits.
Chris Braswell: Houston signed the defensive end from its practice squad to the active roster on September 30. The move gives the defensive line another body with game experience as the Texans deal with injuries up front.
Aaron Graves: The Texans added the rookie defensive tackle from Iowa to the practice squad. At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, Graves provides additional size and depth along the interior defensive line.
Caleb Johnson: Houston brought back Johnson, a Houston Christian product, to bolster its linebacker depth. That position has become particularly important with Al-Shaair unavailable.
Treyvhon Saunders: The Texans also added the rookie wide receiver from Colgate. His signing gives Houston another developmental option at receiver with Collins returning to the lineup.
Bryce Oliver: To make room for the latest additions, Houston released Oliver from the roster on September 30.
Players Placed on Injured Lists
British Brooks: Houston placed running back Brooks on the Reserve/Injured list on Friday. The move further reduces the team’s depth at running back after the Texans added Ogunbowale earlier in the week.
Noah Whittington: The running back was placed on the practice squad injured list on Thursday. That removes another running back option from Houston’s immediate practice-squad depth.
Mario Edwards Jr.: Defensive end Edwards was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 3 loss to Indianapolis. He had six tackles and one sack through three games before the injury.
Jake Hummel: Houston placed Hummel on injured reserve on September 26. The linebacker had been part of the team’s depth at a position now under additional pressure because of Al-Shaair’s absence.
Houston is not simply making routine roster adjustments; they are replacing players lost to injuries while trying to keep enough depth to compete with Dallas. Edwards’ season-ending injury hurts the defensive front, while the losses of Brooks and Whittington leave less room for error in the backfield.
