Getty
Jakob Johnson #45 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Houston Texans did a quick turnaround, reuniting with veteran tight end and fullback Jakob Johnson on Wednesday.
Johnson’s return comes amid a pair of noteworthy decisions elsewhere on the roster.
The Texans began their preparations ahead of an interconference showdown against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15, and they could receive reinforcements at tight end and wide receiver with Harrison Bryant and Justin Watson, respectively.
Texans Bolster 2 Positions With Jakob Johnson
GettyJakob Johnson #45 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before facing the New England Patriots.
The Texans announced via their official website on December 10 that they “signed the following player to the practice squad,” naming Johnson. Houston cut Johnson to make room for running back Cody Schrader, whom they claimed off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday.
Johnson originally signed with the Texans during free agency in March. Since then, however, he has bounced between the active roster and the practice squad.
He also missed time on IR.
Johnson, who turns 31 on December 15, has played in seven games for the Texans this season with two starts. He has not recorded a stat this season, but did block a punt in the Texans’ Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football.
Johnson entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots. He has also played for the Raiders and the New York Giants.
His ability to play fullback and tight end was key amid the Texans’ injuries at the latter position.
Texans Designate Harrison Bryant, Justin Watson for Return From IR
GettyHarrison Bryant #88 of the Cleveland Browns fights through a tackle against the Washington Commanders.
The Texans announced in a post on X on December 10 that “TE Harrison Bryant and WR Justin Watson have returned to practice and been Designated for Return.”
Watson is a three-time Super Bowl champion, winning with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and 2023. He is in his first season with the Texans and has three receptions for 30 yards this season.
The 29-year-old former fifth-round pick (2018) has a 90-1,352-9 career line.
The Texans’ WR room features Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, as well as rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
They have also gotten strong contributions from third-year pro Xavier Hutchinson, and they are still missing Tank Dell. If Dell, one of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s top targets, can return before the end of the season – or more likely, the postseason – that would be a boon for the Texans.
There have not been any updates about Dell’s status that would provide any clarity, though.
Bryant, also in his first season with the Texans, was a fourth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 draft.
He signed with the Texans at the end of the preseason. Bryant has also spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles. He has caught two catches for 7 yards in his eight appearances for the Texans this season.
Bryant, 27, has caught 100 passes for 884 yards and 10 TDs in his career.
The Texans have starters Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover. Both players are healthy entering Week 15. Still, Bryant provides a valuable depth option behind them if needed.
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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