The Houston Texans have made a move to strengthen their defensive backfield, claiming cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram off waivers from the Buffalo Bills. The transaction, announced on Thursday, December 4, 2025, adds valuable depth to the Texans’ secondary as they head into the final stretch of the season.

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The move to add Ingram comes at a critical time for the Texans’ defense, particularly in the wake of recent injury concerns. The team placed defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. on Injured Reserve, a move necessitated by season-ending foot surgery. Ingram helps fill a roster spot while providing immediate reinforcement in the secondary, where cornerback Kamari Lassiter’s status has been uncertain due to a foot injury.

Ingram’s claiming is part of a flurry of recent defensive roster moves by the Texans, who are looking to maintain momentum as they fight for playoff contention.

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Ingram, 28, has spent his entire professional career with the Buffalo Bills since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Buffalo following the 2022 NFL Draft. Over his four seasons with the Bills, he proved to be a reliable depth piece, shuttling between the active roster and the practice squad before spending the majority of the 2025 season on the active 53-man roster.

Career Snapshot:

• Games Played: 29 (1 start)

• Total Tackles: 33 (21 solo)

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• Passes Defended: 4

• Interceptions: 2 (1 returned for a TD in 2024)

• Sacks: 1.0

• 2025 Season: Appeared in 7 games with 6 total tackles.

Ingram brings a 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame to a young and improving Texans defense. His experience, particularly in special teams and a reserve defensive role, will be crucial for the team’s depth.

Ingram was waived by the Bills to make room for the team to claim veteran cornerback Darius Slay. However, the situation quickly became awkward for Buffalo, as Slay was reported to be contemplating his future and initially refused to report to the team, essentially leaving the Bills down a player.

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The Texans were quick to capitalize on the opportunity, using their waiver priority to bring Ingram onto their active roster. This strategic claim gives the Texans a young, inexpensive, and experienced depth player who is still on his rookie contract, adding a versatile piece to their defensive unit as they prepare for their upcoming Week 14 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.