53-Man Roster Projection
Notable Moments from Detroit and a 53-Man Roster Projection
The Houston Texans finished their preseason with a victory in Detroit against the Lions. Here are four observations from the game, followed by a 53-Man roster projection.
DeMeco Ryans played a few guys who got late starts in training camp. Dameon Pierce carried the ball seven times for 17 yards. He bounced off some blockers. The highlight of the day was a carry for six yards. It was good for Pierce to get some real football work beyond the joint practice. Christian Harris got some action and was in on a couple of tackles. Combined with his active joint practice, he feels ready for the season. Foley Fatukasi was in on a few plays early. Deploying him as a rotational play might extend his usefulness after an injury-riddled 2024.
Graham Mertz was the standout story in this one. It hasn’t looked that good for Mertz at all during the preseason. Regardless of the opponent, Mertz hasn’t been able to display that level of play consistently. It felt like a switch flipped for him. He looked calm and confident. He is in a battle for the practice squad spot with Kedon Slovis.
Lack of playing time could bode well for some players. Jamal Hill didn’t play much in this one. Could that mean he is making the roster? He’d be the sixth linebacker if he did. It feels like a good sign more than a bad sign. I’d say the same with Braxton Berrios. He played very little offense and didn’t play any special teams. He’s headed for the roster. Despite playing a lot of snaps, which is usually a bad sign, Tremon Smith should make this team.
There is an issue on special teams. Rookie long snapper Austin Brinkman hasn’t been with the team in recent workouts. The Texans didn’t make any roster moves with Brinkman when they signed his replacement. Blake Ferguson was signed to snap in Brinkman’s absence. Feruson made multiple mistakes in the preseason finale. He can’t be the long snapper to start the season. If Brinkman is healthy, there’s nothing to worry about. If he’s injured, would you really use an injury return on the long snapper position? The search for a long snapper in late August can’t be good.
53-Man Roster Projection
Here is a projection for the Texans before cuts start to come out ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s deadline.