Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Houston Texans

As the Houston Texans continue their push for a playoff spot in the AFC South, the team’s front office has announced a series of strategic roster moves—including signings, practice squad elevations, and a key injury-related transaction—aimed at strengthening positional depth and addressing late-season needs. The latest transactions, released via the NFL’s official transaction wire and the Texans’ team website, come at a critical juncture: the Texans (9-6) currently hold the AFC’s No. 6 wild-card spot and face a tough two-game stretch against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts, both of whom are also vying for playoff berths. From adding a veteran pass rusher to securing depth at wide receiver, each move reflects the Texans’ balance of short-term competitiveness and long-term roster flexibility. Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Houston Texans breaks down the key transactions, their rationale, and how they position the team for success in the final weeks of the regular season.

The most notable move in the latest transactions is the signing of veteran defensive end Mario Addison to a one-year contract, filling a pressing need for pass-rush depth. Addison, a 13-year NFL veteran with 67.5 career sacks, was released by the Buffalo Bills earlier this month after appearing in 12 games (recording 2 sacks and 15 tackles) this season. The Texans’ pass rush has struggled in recent weeks—they’ve recorded just 3 sacks in their last three games—and Addison’s experience and ability to generate pressure from the edge are expected to provide an immediate boost. Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke highlighted Addison’s versatility as a key factor in the signing: “Mario can play both defensive end spots, set the edge against the run, and still create opportunities to get to the quarterback. That’s exactly what we need right now.” Addison, who has played for playoff teams in Carolina, Buffalo, and Houston (he spent the 2022 season with the Texans), expressed excitement about returning to the organization: “I know this team’s potential, and I’m here to help them make a playoff run.” Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Houston Texans frames this signing as a targeted solution to the Texans’ recent pass-rush struggles, which have hindered their ability to slow down opposing quarterbacks.

Complementing the Addison signing, the Texans have also announced the elevation of two practice squad players to the active roster for their upcoming game against the Jaguars: wide receiver John Metchie III and linebacker Christian Harris. Metchie, a 2022 second-round pick, has spent most of the season on the practice squad while recovering from a knee injury but has impressed coaches in recent weeks with his route-running and hands. His elevation comes after wide receiver Nico Collins suffered a minor shoulder injury in the Texans’ Week 15 win over the Tennessee Titans—Collins is expected to play against the Jaguars, but Metchie provides critical depth in case of a setback. Harris, a third-year linebacker, has seen limited action on defense this season but is a standout on special teams, where he’s recorded 12 tackles and forced one fumble. The Texans’ special teams unit has been a strength this season (ranking 8th in the NFL in overall efficiency), and Harris’ elevation ensures they maintain that consistency. “Elevating John and Christian isn’t just about depth—it’s about having players who know our schemes and can contribute immediately,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “John gives us another weapon in the passing game, and Christian keeps our special teams performing at a high level.” Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Houston Texans explores how these practice squad elevations address both injury concerns and the need for reliable role players.

For the Houston Texans, the latest transactions also include a key injury designation, with the team placing offensive lineman Tytus Howard on Injured Reserve (IR) due to a knee sprain suffered in Week 15. Howard, the Texans’ starting right tackle, has been a staple of the offensive line this season—starting all 15 games and allowing just 3 sacks while providing stability in both pass protection and run blocking. His absence forces the Texans to shuffle their line: backup tackle Charlie Heck will move into the starting role, and the team has signed veteran lineman Justin McCray to the practice squad to add depth. “Losing Tytus is a tough blow, but we’ve prepared for this,” Texans offensive line coach Chris Strausser said. “Charlie has played meaningful snaps this season, and Justin brings the experience we need to keep our line solid.” For the Houston Texans, offensive line depth has been a priority all season—they’ve rotated multiple players in and out of the lineup to manage injuries—and this transaction reflects that proactive approach. The Texans’ offense ranks 12th in the NFL in rushing yards (124 per game), and maintaining that production will be critical against the Jaguars’ run defense (ranked 10th in the league). Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Houston Texans emphasizes how this injury designation and subsequent practice squad signing aim to protect the team’s offensive momentum.

Another important move in the latest transactions is the release of veteran running back Royce Freeman, who was signed by the Texans in October to provide depth behind starter Dameon Pierce. Freeman appeared in 7 games for the Texans, rushing for 123 yards and 1 touchdown on 32 carries, but saw his playing time decrease in recent weeks as rookie running back Devin Singletary emerged as a reliable backup. The release frees up a roster spot for Addison and allows the Texans to focus on developing younger talent at the position. “Royce was a professional and a great teammate, but we need to make room for players who fit our current needs,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “Devin has shown he can handle the backup role, and this move lets us prioritize other areas of the roster.” For the Houston Texans, the release of Freeman is a strategic decision that balances respect for a veteran player with the team’s immediate goals—signing Addison to boost the pass rush was deemed more critical than keeping extra depth at running back. The move also signals the Texans’ confidence in their young running backs, including Pierce (who has rushed for 987 yards this season) and Singletary (189 yards in 5 games). Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Houston Texans examines how this release reflects the Texans’ willingness to make tough choices to strengthen their playoff push.

Finally, the Texans have announced the signing of cornerback Kaleb Chalmers to the practice squad, addressing a growing need for secondary depth. Chalmers, an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Tech, spent training camp with the Texans before being waived and later signing with the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad. He returns to Houston after the Texans lost cornerback Steven Nelson to a hamstring injury in Week 15—Nelson is expected to miss 1-2 games, leaving the team thin at nickel cornerback. Chalmers, who impressed coaches in training camp with his speed and ball skills, will provide depth behind starting cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Shaquill Griffin. “Kaleb knows our defensive schemes and has the athleticism to contribute if called upon,” Burke said. “Adding him to the practice squad gives us peace of mind in case we need to elevate him for game day.” For the Houston Texans, this practice squad signing is a proactive step to avoid being caught shorthanded in the secondary—a unit that has been tested in recent weeks by injuries and the high-powered passing attacks of the AFC South. The Texans’ defense ranks 15th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (225 per game), and maintaining that level of performance will be key against the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence and the Colts’ Anthony Richardson. Roster Moves Announced in Latest Transactions for the Houston Texans concludes by noting that these latest roster moves—from signing Addison to elevating practice squad players—reflect the Texans’ commitment to maximizing their playoff potential. In the NFL’s competitive AFC, every roster spot matters, and the Texans’ front office has shown it’s willing to be agile and strategic to give the team the best chance to win. As the regular season winds down, these moves could be the difference between a playoff berth and a missed opportunity for a team looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2019.