HOUSTON \u2013 The arrival of defensive tackle Leki Fotu on the Texans\u2019 roster was well-timed.<\/p>\n
The Texans needed a sizable presence for their interior defensive line after season-ending injuries suffered by Tim Settle Jr. and Mario Edwards Jr.<\/p>\n
And Fotu, a 6-foot-5, 317-pound free agent, needed a new gig after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders.<\/p>\n
Signed to the Texans\u2019 practice squad, Fotu has been elevated for the past two games as the athletic former rugby player contributes to a playoff squad heading into an AFC wild-card round playoff game Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m still catching all the emotions, but truly we\u2019re just grateful to be in this position and for this organization to pick me up and to do everything I can to contribute and continue this run that we\u2019re on,\u201d Fotu told KPRC 2. \u201cWith my game, with my size and my abilities, I think it speaks for itself. I try to provide that anchor in the run game obviously and also contribute my part in the passing game when those moments come. Just doing everything that I can to the best of my abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Fotu recorded two tackles in his debut with the Texans in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He had another tackle in a victory over the Indianapolis Colts, appearing in 49 percent of the defensive snaps. The Texans later made this move official and elevated safety Kaevon Merriweather.<\/p>\n
Fotu is a former Arizona Cardinals fourth-round draft pick from Utah. He has also played for the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Reuniting with Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke, a former Cardinals defensive line coach, Fotu has fit in well with this 4-3 defensive scheme. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great feeling,\u201d Fotu said. \u201cMe and coach Burke, we had a good run in our time in Arizona. Just to reconnect with him and to be a part of this defense, it\u2019s truly amazing. Just grateful to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He has played in 66 games with 25 career starts, recording 103 tackles, 4 1\/2 sacks, 15 tackles for losses and eight quarterback hits with one forced fumble.<\/p>\n
A two-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection, Fotu has run the 40-yard dash in 5.15 seconds.<\/p>\n
Fotu was a teammate of former Texans star J.J. Watt in Arizona and caught up with him recently at practice.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways great to see him,\u201d Fotu said. \u201cI tried to take some of his stuff and mimic it into my own game. Definitely learned a lot with our time in Arizona.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n