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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Houston Texans are adding more reinforcements to their roster ahead of facing the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15, and it is with a familiar face in Harrison Bryant.
The Texans are looking to notch their ninth win of the season after an 0-3 start.
How much playing time Bryant gets from the Texans this week against the Cardinals remains to be seen. Bryant has been a bit player to this point, but his presence is valuable as a run blocker and a pass catcher.
Texans Activating TE Harrison Bryant to 53-Man Roster From Injured Reserve
GettyLuke Gifford #57 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Harrison Bryant #88 of the Houston Texans.
“#Texans are activating veteran tight end Harrison Bryant after designating him for return this week from neck, shoulder injuries, per a league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 12. “He participated fully and was listed as questionable.”
Bryant, 27, is in his first season with the Texans. The Texans acquired Bryant in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in mid-August.
He has played in eight games, turning six targets into two receptions for 7 yards this season.
Bryant entered the league as a fourth-round pick, selected 115th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 draft. In addition to the Browns, Eagles, and, now, the Texans, Bryant has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders.
He has 100 career receptions for 884 yards and 10 touchdowns. Bryant is on a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Texans.
Bryant is behind Texans starters Cade Stover and Dalton Schultz, and possibly, Jakob Johnson.
Johnson can play fullback and tight end, providing the Texans with additional roster flexibility on game days. Johnson has also missed time while on injured reserve as part of the Texans’ unfortunate trend this season.
The Texans have battled injuries at the tight end spot, including Bryant’s stint on injured reserve due to a neck injury.
Schultz has played in all 13 games, and he is the only Texans tight end to do so this season.
Texans’ TE Room Healthy
GettyCade Stover #87 of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.
Bryant is second on the team with eight games played, followed by Stover, who has made five appearances and also spent time on IR this season.
Stover has started one more game than Bryant, though.
The Texans have Brevin Jordan. He is another player who landed on IR this season and remains there. Layne Pryor is on the Texans’ practice squad in Week 15, but he is unavailable while on that version of the injured reserve.
The Texans also have Luke Lachey on their practice squad. They previously rostered former Los Angeles Chargers draft pick Tre’ McKitty. Houston waived McKitty in August.
The Texans released Dalton Keene and Irv Smith Jr. earlier this season.
That is a lot of shuffling around one position group. It has not been unique for the Texans, either. They have also navigated injuries at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, along the offensive line, and in the secondary this season.
Bryant’s return is a small step, but it remains encouraging for the Texans, given all they have endured regarding injuries throughout the 2025 campaign.
Whether he gets an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way is another story.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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