The Houston Texans officially set their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday afternoon, which featured some notable cuts and some surprises. A day later, the Texans
Anything could happen with the 17-man practice squad, including a call-up at the tight end position, but right now, the Texans like where their roster is. Some positions are a bit jammed while others could be switched before the start of the regular season.
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“I feel really good about our team. Our initial 53-man roster is set. It’s initial,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Things are always in flux, things are always moving, we’re always looking to improve our roster as best as we can. But we feel really good about the 53 men that have made our team so far.
I would’ve loved to keep more guys but we had to make some tough decisions.”
With that in mind, here’s a look at the Texans’ updated 53-man roster:
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Quarterback (2)
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans guard Juice Scruggs (70) and quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warm up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Projected Starter: C.J. Stroud
Reserves: Davis Mills, Graham Mertz*
Analysis: Stroud and Mills locked up their spots last week, but Mertz’s performance on Saturday valuted him over Slovis. He proved to be a reliable option that rarely makes mistakes and has a bit of mobility to his game. Should the Texans let Mills walk next offseason, they have their QB No. 2 already lined up.
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Running Back (5)
Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (21) rushes for five yards against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Projected Starter: Nick Chubb
Reserve: Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale, Woody Marks*, British Brooks
NFI list: Joe Mixon
Analysis: The Texans knew that Brooks’ potential on special teams was too good to pass up. Jakob Johnson being on the practice squad also gives the Texans insurance should the former North Carolina running back struggle in pass protection. Chubb will serve as the lead back until further notice.
Ogunbowale and Marks offer upside in the passing game, but the former could be a short-term option could just holding a place while Mixon starts the season on the NFI list.
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Wide Receiver (7)
Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) celebrates his touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Projected Starters: Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson
Reserves: Jaylin Noel*, Jayden Higgins*, Braxton Berrios, Justin Watson
Analysis: Berrios’ upside as a returner gives him the nod over Justin Watson, but Watson was more impressive down the stretch. Both will get a chance to prove they’re more than a WR No. 6 and special teams star.
Tight End (2)
Jun 10, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) participates in a drill during an NFL football minicamp at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Projected starter: Dalton Schultz
Reserves: Cade Stover
Analysis: Smith would have probably made the roster if he were healthy, but instead, Houston will hold over two options on the practice squad. One has to assume Luke Lachey or Harrison Bryant will make the squad before the end of September full-time.
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Offensive Line (9)
Jul 23, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery (79) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Projected First-team: Tay Ersery (LT), Laken Tomlinson (LG), Jake Andrews (OC), Ed Ingram (RG), Tytus Howard (RT)
Reserves: Cam Robinson (OT), Juice Scruggs (LG), Jarrett Patterson (OC), Blake Fisher (RT)
Analysis: No real surprises on the offensive line after Ersery moved over to left tackle. Robinson was rumored to be traded ahead of Week 1, but Houston would have likely had to eat a majority of his $12 million contract. Patterson and Scruggs did enough to warrant a backup role.
Defensive End (5)
Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is tackled for a loss by Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Projected Starters: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter
Reserves: Darrell Taylor, Derek Barnett, Dylan Barnett
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NFI List: Denico Autry
Analysis: Derek Barnett’s return took away a roster spot and Horton has more upside than Byrd as a run stopper. The latter won’t be leaving town since Houston brought him back on the practice squad.
Defensive Tackle (5)
Jul 23, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Projected Starters: Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr.
Reserves: Foley Fatukasi, Tim Settle, Tommy Togiai
Analysis: Settle might be listed as a second-team lineman, but he’s going to see a bulk of first-team reps. It’s a location, nothing more. Togiai picked up where he left off during last season and earned the last spot. It DeMeco Ryans had any say, it was to keep the defensive tackle
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Linebackers (6)
Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jack Plummer (16) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) and linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (39) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Projected Starters: Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o
Reserves: Christian Harris, Jake Hansen, E.J. Speed, Jamal
Analysis: Hansen outworked both Hill and Nick Neimann as the special teams option, but the Texans are looking at the latter’s upside. He did enough on special teams to make the roster over Myles Bryant. Even if Harris is listed on the second team but he’s going to see action with the starters.
Cornerbacks (5)
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (4) runs onto the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Starters: Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre (nickel)
Reserves: Jaylin Smith*, Tremon Smith
Analysis: Smith would be starting for several teams in the nickel after an impressive training camp. Now, he’s the first call should any one of the starters go down. Even though Smith looks to be on the outside in as a cornerback, he’s making the roster because of his special team skills.
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Safety (3)
Jul 23, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Projected Starters: Calen Bullock, C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Reserves: M.J. Stewart
Injured reserve: Jaylen Reed
Analysis: No surprises with the starters, though Reed could begin the regular season on the injured reserve. Reed is probably starting off on the injured reserve, if not Gardner-Johnson, but both will be on the staff.
Specialists (3)
Dec 18, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice Mcnair and chief executive officer D. Cal McNair talk with place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (7) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Starters: Ka’imi Fairbairn (K), Austin Brinkman* (LS), Tommy Townsend (P)
Analysis: There’s nothing to say here. Maybe Jon Weeks will come back?
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Houston Texans: Meet the official 53-man roster after cutdown day