Y’know, this was kind of difficult…there were enough solid performances from fringe players, that I have no idea what direction the front office will go with their cuts.
On offense, if there was any possibility that C/G Jake Andrews or C/G Juice Scruggs would be cut, there certainly isn’t one now. Both excelled in limited preseason action, so at least one of these linemen will be a starter. If there somehow ends up being room for more at this position group, I wouldn’t mind keeping either G Jaylon Thomas or T Zach Thomas as another warm body. There’s no way they’ll keep the same starting five all season long, so another center or tackle may come in handy in a pinch. Houston’s brass may be more motivated to keep Ts LaDarius Henderson and Austin Deculus because of their experience in the building, but I’d prefer another interior lineman.
Besides the line, I think QB Kedon Slovis balled out enough in both stints to warrant a roster spot if Houston decides to go with three quarterbacks. If not, I’d hope he’d be able to stick to the practice squad as Houston’s embryo-stage Davis Mills replacement.
Likewise, I’m not ready to give up on WR Xavier Hutchison as a solid backup to Nico Collins, either. On defense, I’ve been impressed by LB Jamal Hill, LB K.C Ossai, and DL Tommy Togiai. Hill went from a raw athlete with little linebacker experience in 2024 to a natural at the position this year, while Ossai has looked solid in his limited action. Togiai wasn’t great against Minnesota but was an impact player against the Panthers, so I would be happy to keep him on the roster if the space is available.