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Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings: Players to Watch

2025-08-04T12:30:00-05:00

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Players to keep your eye on throughout Houston’s first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Houston Texans are getting ready for their first in-game action since losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the playoffs — and it’s coming against the Vikings in Minnesota, marking the first preseason game of the 2025 season.

While the starters likely won’t play much, there are still several players worth keeping an eye on as they push to make Houston’s final roster.

PLAYER ONE: WIDE RECEIVER JAYLIN NOEL

Noel was drafted by Houston in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the team has big plans for the speedy wideout as the season progresses.

The former Iowa State standout has big-play potential written all over him with his blazing 4.39 speed — and that’s been on full display throughout training camp. With an impressive preseason, he could earn some real minutes in the rotation.

Not only could Noel make an impact on offense, but also on special teams as a punt returner.

PLAYER TWO: RUNNING BACK JAWHAR JORDAN

Jordan has taken full advantage of his opportunity to show what he can do — especially with Joe Mixon sidelined due to injury.

The former sixth-round pick out of Louisville has flashed some juice during training camp, and could carve out a role for himself with the current uncertainty at the running back position.

Veteran Nick Chubb is still seen by many as the likely starter if Mixon misses time, and that may hold true. But there’s room for another back to emerge — and Jordan might just be that guy.

PLAYER THREE: CORNERBACK JAYLIN SMITH

Like Noel, Smith was taken in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he’s been impressive all offseason.

Houston has its two starting corners in Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, but the third cornerback spot has been a revolving door — and Smith might be the one to solidify it.

His teammates have had nothing but great things to say about him, and it’s starting to feel like he could work his way into a real role this season.

Houston Texans football is nearly back, and there is a lot to be excited about.

Texans Camp Questions: Are Blake Fisher and Juice Scruggs busts?

2025-08-04T11:00:00-05:00

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

Putting the early camp performance in perspective.

Admittedly, we talked about this before particularly as it pertained to John Metchie. So, I cannot in good conscience come out and completely lambast two players that are trying and not succeeding. This is about your Houston Texans and what they end up doing moving forward. How do they respond when someone is selected high in the draft and doesn’t end up working out?

We can start with Juice Scruggs. The Texans traded up to the 62nd pick with the Philadelphia Eagles to select Scruggs in 2023 draft. Scruggs draft profile indicates that he had a scouting score of 6.21. That corresponds with an eventual solid NFL starter. So, the Texans thought he would be a solid starter and so did the rest of the scouts from the other 31 teams.

Would they have made him a second round pick? There is some conjecture at the time that teams around the NFL considered that to be a bit of an overpay. Of course, scouting is in the eye of the beholder, but Scruggs spent the first two seasons mostly on the sidelines with injuries and ineffective performance. He is not a part of the first team on the depth chart so far in camp.

Blake Fisher’s draft profile is actually pretty similar to Scruggs. He graded out with a 6.26 grade which is almost identical to Scruggs. That also puts him in the eventual average NFL starter category. Since he was picked in the 2024 draft, the word “eventual” is doing some heavy lifting there. When exactly is that supposed to happen?

I think most people would look at his rookie season and simply write it off as a player getting his feet wet and learning on the job. He noticeably struggled at right tackle and that was particularly true in the divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but most fans and analysts alike thought with an offseason workout program and a second training camp he could develop into an average starter. He was taken with the 59th pick in the draft which is also almost identical to Scruggs.

One of the greatest measures of most organizations in all of sports is what you do when you are wrong. Mistakes happen all the time. Sometimes you are torpedoed by bad luck like you were in the Metchie case. Sometimes you just flat out miss like you did with Kenyon Green. Dealing with mistakes at any level is often about the fallacy of sunken costs. The sunken costs fallacy can be defined as, “our tendency to follow through with something that we’ve already invested heavily in (be it time, money, effort, or emotional energy), even when giving up is clearly a better idea.”

Of course, the biggest question is when is it prudent to give up? The Kenyon Green scenario played out differently. For one, it was a three year investment. Scruggs still has one more season to go and Fisher has two. Secondly, a part of Green’s failure was his inability to develop an acceptable level of consistent professionalism. No one has accused Scruggs or Fisher of that charge.

The easy answer is that Fisher gets more time than Scruggs. This is probably a make or break year for Scruggs. If he doesn’t break the lineup and perform adequately then he is probably done as a Houston Texan. Fisher probably has another season to develop, but this is where the fallacy of sunken cost comes in. Cam Robinson signed a one year deal. Do they feel comfortable just handing the 2026 right or left tackle job to Fisher? We saw them run this game with Green and it ended in disaster.

This is a unique problem to football. A baseball team could send such players down to the minors. An NBA team has the NBADL where they can stash prospects that are promising but not quite ready for prime time. In the NFL you have to be rostered or you risk getting plucked by another team. The practice squad is a calculated risk for that reason.

At the same time, each of those 53 spots is a valuable commodity. DeMeco Ryans needs 53 guys that can suit up and help the team win. On Sunday, 47 of those guys are needed to bring home a victory. Are Fisher and Scruggs legitimately one of those 47 guys? Ryans has already said that he plans on carrying nine linemen. That means probably two extra tackles and two interior lineman. Scruggs would be on the interior and Fisher on the outside. Are they legitimately the best substitutes right now?

That sunken cost fallacy includes an emotional consideration. You like these guys. You work with them everyday and if you see legitimate effort you want them to succeed. There is also the emotional toll of admitting that you picked the wrong guy. In accordance with my last piece on the wide receivers, I want to reiterate that this is neither Scruggs nor Fisher’s fault. They are doing the best they can.

The decision to roster them might not seem like a big deal. However, given the physical and violent play in the NFL, it seems reasonable to assume that at least one of them could get extensive time at one point this season. Both did last season. If someone else currently in camp is actually better than them, it could be worth a game or two in the standings. What happens if you go from nine wins to ten wins? Or ten wins to 11 wins? It could be the difference between winning the division and not winning the division.

How teams handle these kinds of decisions can help shape how successful they will ultimately be. I’m not in camp every day, so I cannot definitively answer that question for them. It shouldn’t be up to a fan poll anyway. Only they can see whether either player really can get better and be a serviceable starter in the league. It hasn’t happened yet, but that doesn’t mean it will never happen.

Houston Texans Rosterology Before Vikings Preseason Game

2025-08-04T09:00:00-05:00

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Predicting the Houston Texans 53-man roster.

The first week of training camp was a doozy. The offensive line woes continued, the injuries piled up, but the Texans approach their first preseason game on Saturday.

At practice this past week, several rookies have sustained severe injuries. Seventh-rounder Kyonte Hamilton is out for four months with a fractured ankle and sixth-round pick Jaylin Reed has suffered a lower leg injury. They add to a growing list of veterans who have yet to practice, which include Foley Fatukasi, Kurt Hinish, Derek Barnett, Denico Autry, Trent Brown, Dameon Pierce, and Jimmie Ward.

While this site prepares for the biggest change in the past decade, the Houston Texans approach an extremely indicative game against the Vikings. The central storyline will be the Texans’ newly crafted offense under first-time offensive coordinator Nick Caley.

In today’s Rosterology 2.0, I update the projected 53-man roster Houston will take into their week one matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. With all the injuries, I have denoted players who Houston will likely place on injured reserve (IR) or Physically Unable to Play (PUP).

Bold are rookies, italicized are newly added players.

Last Four In

Arthur Maulet, CB
Justin Watson, WR
Nick Neimann, LB
Jakob Johnson, FB/TE

First Four Out

Dare Ogumbowale, RB
Jaylon Thomas, OL
Jimmie Ward, S
Jawhar Jordan, RB

Biggest Riser: Woody Marks

DeMeco Ryans refrained from remarking on Joe Mixon’s timeline to return after being placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list earlier this week. The murkiness around the situation created a seismic shift in the running back room landscape. The player most impacted is rookie Woody Marks, whose undefined role in the offense should be more clear without Joe Mixon in the room. Outside of Dameon Pierce, Houston rarely retains rookie running backs on their 53-man roster in their history, but Marks’ chances have gotten a whole lot better.

Biggest Faller: Christian Harris

Harris hasn't participated in the first few days of Training Camp. He missed the first 14 games of the 2024 season and played sparingly in the playoffs.

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (2 + 1 emergency QB)

C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills

CUT: Graham Mertz (emergency QB), Kedon Slovis

Analysis: Davis Mills continues to impress on offense. So much so that fans are calling for him to be traded for draft capital. I think that’s idiotic; all it would take is one hit to Stroud to tank the entire season without Mills in waiting.

The battle for the third QB is compelling; Slovis had made significant strides since last camp and looks cleaner than Mertz. Mertz should see significant playing time in his first game in the NFL, which will be the first game he has played since October 2024.

Running Backs (4)

Nick Chubb, Woody Marks, Dameon Pierce, Jakob Johnson

CUT: Dare Ogumbowale, J.J. Taylor, Jawhar Jordan, British Brooks

IR: Joe Mixon

Analysis: With Mixon’s health in question, Nick Chubb has assumed the starting role. Ultimately, this entire positional group is up for grabs. Arguably, Dare Ogumbowale deserves to make the team heading into the first preseason game, but I would prefer to add another player to the defense rather than on Ogumbowale.

Second-year RB Jawhar Jordan has exceeded expectations at camp, particularly in the run game. He appears to be the best on the ground while Woody Marks is the best in the receiving game.

The fullback position will be one of intrigue. Jakob has started training camp as an early riser and earns the starting spot at this point in a heated battle with British Brooks

Wide Receivers (6)

Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson, Justin Watson

CUT: John Metchie III, Braxton Berrios, Jared Wayne, Johnny Johnson III, Xavier Johnson, Daniel Jackson

IR: Tank Dell

Analysis: The final spot appears to be between Justin Watson, John Metchie III, and Braxton Berrios. Watson ran with the second team, while John Metchie suited up with the second and third teams. Berrios is by far the best punt returner, but is that enough to keep him on the roster?

I personally think Houston will trade Metchie soon for either draft or offensive line capital.

Tight Ends (3)

Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan, Cade Stover

CUT: Luke Lachey, Irv Smith Jr.

Analysis: Three weeks ago, I was distressfully concerned about Brevin Jordan’s health. It appears the athletic tight end is healthy and making plays. That's a breath of fresh air for this position group. He presence takes the pressure off finding the right WR combination.

The rookie Lachey looked adequate, but would benefit from a year on practice squad to compete next season for a roster spot. He will be one to watch against the Vikings to see his transition to the NFL.

Offensive Lineman (9)

Tytus Howard, Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, Juice Scruggs, Jarrett Patterson, Blake Fisher, Aireontae Ersery, Ed Ingram, Jake Andrews

CUT: Jaylon Thomas, Trent Brown, LaDarius Henderson, Zach Thomas, Eli Cox, Austin Deculus

Analysis: While the Texans offensive line appears to be coming together, it doesn’t appear to be any better than last year.

The first Rosterology noted to “look for Jake Andrews to compete for the starting center role” and that appeared to be the case down at NRG. He is the second biggest riser this training camp thus far.

First O-Line combination in team drills includes Blake Fisher at RT, Jake Andrews at C and Aireontae Ersery at LT
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) July 24, 2025

Juice Scruggs played exclusively with the third stringers (yikes). More was written positively about Jaylon Thomas than Scruggs, which could mean Scruggs has fallen out of favor in this new offense. It’s too early to predict Scruggs to be cut, but after the first preseason game I will have more evidence.

DEFENSE (26)

Defensive Ends (5)

Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, Dylan Horton, Derek Barnett, Darrell Taylor

CUT: Casey Toohill, Solomon Byrd

IR Denico Autry

Analysis: This group is growing more complicated. Autry and Barnett have yet to practice. Meanwhile, Dylan Horton and Darrell Taylor stepped up and grasped the backup roles.

DeMeco Ryans noted that Solomon Byrd made strides in the offseason. The 25-year old sophomore only saw the field once his rookie season. He is battling for a final roster spot in a deep but injured pool of players.

Defensive Tackles (5)

Tim Settle Jr., Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr., Tommy Togai, Foley Fatukasi

CUT: Marlon Davidson, Kurt Hinish, Junior Tafuna, Haggai Ndubuisi

IR: Kyonte Hamilton

Analysis: A lot going on here so stick with me.

Fatukasi and Hinish are still sidelined, but Fatukasi makes the roster as the last addition with the anticipation that he will return to the roster soon.
A personal favorite Marlon Davidson was added along with international player Haggai Ndubuisi
Kyonte Hamilton suffered a gruesome injury

I had written that “I am hearing great things about seventh rounder Kyonte Hamilton” before his injury. Unfortunately, Hamilton won’t be suiting up this season and will spend the year on injured reserve.

Tommy Togai rounds out this group as a run-stopping DT who has held up well in training camp.

Linebackers (6)

Azeez Al-Shaair, Christian Harris, Henry To’oTo’o, E.J. Speed, Nick Niemann, Jake Hansen

CUT: Jamal Hill, K.C. Ossai, Jackson Woodard

Analysis: Nick Niemann has been rotating with the first stringers in three linebacker packages (albeit, rare). That news compelled him from being cut to on the roster. In his stead is second-year LB Jamal Hill.

I am holding out hope Harris can start the season. If not, Hill jumps back onto the 53. Don’t be surprised if this group only has five players come roster cutdown.

Cornerbacks (5)

Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith, Arthur Maulet

CUT: Damon Arnette, D’Angelo Ross

IR: Alijah Huzzie

Analysis: For how deep the secondary is, there is a cornerback spot wide open for someone to grab. Houston added Arthur Maulet right before training camp to compete for that role.

D’Angelo Ross once held the role of last CB on the roster, but he’s made far too many mistakes on both special teams and as a backup CB.

That leaves Damon Arnett to battle with Maulet for the final CB spot. Preseason will greatly indicate how this plays out.

Safeties (5)

Jalen Pitre, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Calen Bullock, Myles Bryant, M.J. Stewart

CUT: Russ Yeast

IR: Jaylen Reed

PUP: Jimmie Ward

Analysis: Myles Bryant seemed to be on the inside-looking-out. He excelled in the nickel corner spot, even outperforming Jalen Pitre. The defensive staff appreciated the flexibility he brought, and it wouldn’t have been a surprise if he found his way onto the roster again

Jaylen Reed’s injury appeared serious enough to land him on injured reserve, opening the door for M.J. Stewart’s return to the roster. Meanwhile, Jimmie Ward’s own injury and legal situation prevented him from securing a spot once again.

Special Teams (3)

Kicker: Ka’Imi Fairbairn

Punter: Tommy Townsend

Long Snapper: Austin Brinkman

Houston Texans News: Aireontae Ersery’s new groove

2025-08-04T06:00:00-05:00

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Your one-stop shop for Houston Texans, local sports, and news from around the league for Monday, August 4, 2025.

Houston Texans News

Harris Hits: Training Camp Day 9: No pads, all action (HoustonTexans.com)

Texans rookie OT Aireontae Ersery getting in a groove at new position (Yahoo Sports)

Here’s Why It Is Close To Impossible To Reach For Houston Texans WR Nico Collins in Fantasy Football Drafts (Pro Football and Sports Network)

DeMeco Ryans on Nick Chubb: Guys age, it’s not always gonna be the same (Pro Football Talk)

Report: Joe Mixon is expected to miss extended time with foot injury (Pro Football Talk)

NFL News

NFLPA elects White as interim executive director (ESPN.com)

RB Cook sits out Bills’ practice: ‘Just business’ (ESPN.com)

Hip-drop tackle severely injures Colts RB Ahmed (ESPN.com)

Fins make Sieler their highest-paid defensive player (ESPN.com)

Bills’ Shakir ‘week-to-week’ with high ankle sprain (ESPN.com)

Source: S Johnson broke leg in Crosby collision (ESPN.com)

Fins’ Jackson ‘stepped on,’ to miss a few weeks (ESPN.com)

NYC gunman sought medical help before shooting (ESPN.com)

Houston & Collegiate Sports

Bad Framber returns, Offense again a no-show as Red Sox complete sweep of Astros 6-1 (The Crawfish Boxes)

How Texans WR Christian Kirk Can Unlock C.J. Stroud

2025-08-01T13:00:00-05:00

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How will the new slot receiver fit into the new offense?

August is here, and you know what that means: football is back!

Harbaugh pounding Trey Lance's pads. Football has never been more back pic.twitter.com/6sgAhNS6ym
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 1, 2025

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Okay, well, sort of…the NFL regular season is still a month away, but the preseason is now officially underway after the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game last night. Under the bright Canton lights, old football legends were honored, big plays were made, and the world got one step closer to the return of Texans football.

While Houston’s first preseason game isn’t until August 9, they’ve still made plenty of headlines after their first week of training camp. C.J. Stroud and his new-look offensive line have been a captivating (if distressing) sight to Houston faithful, the ball-hawking defensive backfield is already making their presence known, and a fight broke out. But, one headline I’ve been particularly happy to see is the performance of wide receiver Christian Kirk.

#Texans slot wide receiver Christian Kirk @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/HQDHzxy642
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 30, 2025

Kirk is one of several new receivers general manager Nick Caserio signed in 2025, sending a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the division rival Glitter Kitties in order to absorb Kirk and his $15.5 million salary. Entering his eighth year, Kirk has gone through a whirlwind of changes since entering free agency in 2022. He signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Jaguars in March of that year, had the best season of his career just months later, and then saw both his 2023 and 2024 campaigns derail midseason due to injuries. The most recent one, a fractured collarbone, kept him out of football for the last nine weeks of the season, the longest absence of his career.

At first glance, then, this trade may seem a little puzzling. Why would Caserio trade for an expensive receiver that only produced 379 total yards last season and may be injury-prone? Well, thanks to the power of NFL funny money, Houston was able to convert $14.245 million of his 2025 salary into a signing bonus, so the paycheck is not very punishing at all. On top of that, when Christian Kirk is fully healthy, he’s very hard to stop. Nathan Jahnke of PFF noted,

”Kirk has been the most consistent slot receiver in recent seasons, finishing with 5.2 targets per game in the slot, which is the most among wide receivers over the past three seasons. Typically, slot receivers are better against zone defense than man, but Kirk has been dominant against man defenses. His 2.66 yards per route run against man are the seventh-most among wide receivers. Kirk has also played well against press and when lined up out wide.” - Nathan Jahnke, PFF

Kirk has clearly carved out a place for himself in modern NFL offenses, his skillset as a slot receiver have made him a productive option. If you turn on his tape from last season, as well, you can quickly diagnose why quarterbacks like throwing to him so much: he’s blistering fast and subtle with his separation. Kirk has made running these snappy, jittery slant and dig routes an art form, displaying remarkable timing when breaking away from defenders, leaving them stunned as he uses his burst to gain separation.

Much like many other slot receivers, Kirk loves to keep his feet low to the ground and in-bounds when making sideline catches. A route-runner, a reliable catcher, and an easy slot target for Stroud…are these descriptors reminding you of someone else? Someone by the name of Tank Dell?

Everytime I see Christian Kirk wear 13 I do a double take because I remember when Tank Dell wore 13 for the Texans. pic.twitter.com/1RHesHuyBI
— James Roy (@JamesRoyNFL) June 13, 2025

Yeah, maybe Christian Kirk is Houston’s surrogate version of fellow receiver Tank Dell, who is still rehabbing his major knee injury, but another starting-caliber option on the team is about as good of a replacement you could ask for. Kirk isn’t quite as flashy, nor as dangerous after the catch as Tank Dell, but he remains a remarkably similar player overall, which is exactly what C.J. Stroud needed after Dell went down in Week 16 last year. Depth at positions like this could guarantee Stroud never endures a slump in performance again, but Kirk isn’t the only new addition that can help Stroud in 2025, he’s also got new offensive coordinator Nick Caley in his corner!

CJ Stroud To Christian Kirk! #htownmade pic.twitter.com/t8lCmGdabC
— 713 Houston Sports (@713HouSports) July 29, 2025

Caley, formerly the Los Angeles Rams’ passing-game coordinator and tight ends coach, has had experience tuning offenses for minds like Matthew Stafford and Tom Brady. He arrives in Houston with a fresh new gameplan for Stroud, no doubt full of gap-rushing plays and short-range passes to slot receivers. Under Caley, quarterbacks feasted on the middle of the field and slot receivers like Cooper Kupp and Julian Edelman enjoyed some of their very best seasons. Kirk went on to say about Caley’s offense:

“Yeah, you know, I think with just what we’re able to do personnel-wise, going from 12 to 11 personnel, being able to move guys around in an offense, that’s something that, you know, I’ve done in the past, and I really enjoy, you know, not just me playing in the slot and Nico being outside by himself, you know, putting Nico in the slot sometimes, putting ‘Hutch’ [WR Xavier Hutchinson] in the slot, putting ‘Jay’ [Noel], you know, just moving guys around and dictating, you know, the defense with, you know, formation and motion I think is the best way to operate as an offense, and Nick has done a great job of, you know, being able to install that so far and putting us at a spot where we can keep on evolving. So that’s one of the things that I really, you know, enjoy and that I’ve done in the past that’s helped me so far.” - Christian Kirk in Cole Thompson’s “Everything Texans WR Christian Kirk said after day 4 of training camp” on TexansWire

There’s really a lot of things Christian Kirk can accomplish in an offense like Nick Caley’s. He can be the center of the offense, or a decoy, or a short-yardage specialist, or even a speedster than only comes in for the 30+ yard passes. Although, Kirk’s productive and success rate seemed to dip a bit last year as his average depth of target grew to it’s highest point of his career (13.7 yards), so he may be more effective in the quick-passing game than otherwise. Additionally, at just 5’11”, 200 lbs, Christian Kirk is not going to be successfully leaping for contested catches and laying down massive blocks. He can block a little bit, but if this snap against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 is any indication, Houston won’t be mistaking Kirk for Julian Edelman or Cooper Kupp.

On top of that, Nick Caley’s new offense asks for the quarterback to exercise a significant amount of control over everything. Along with developing a rapport with Kirk during camp, Stroud will also start changing protections at the line of scrimmage, point out blitzers to his teammates, and even audible to other plays on his own. These are all things Stroud did in a very limited capacity in 2023 and 2024, but with Nick Caley, his responsibilities will grow. And that’s not all! C.J. Stroud will also be adapting to a heavily changed offensive line, complete with 3-5 new starters. This is the cherry on top of challenges Stroud is navigating this offseason, getting used to Christian Kirk is probably not at the top of his priorities…or is it?

Calen Bullock on Christian Kirk:

“Very dangerous slot WR. He a slot pro. He good in that slot.”

Nicknames for Kirk continue to pile up. https://t.co/7BdjHR9wiD pic.twitter.com/jCJhB8CE3r
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 30, 2025

Maybe, with this new collection of offensive linemen to get used to, Stroud will be more likely to default to check-down routes in moments of confusion. Maybe a hodge-podge offensive line will encourage Stroud to keep his eyes closer to the line of scrimmage, and yield more targets for Christian Kirk! Or, at the very least, his presence in the slot should encourage defenses to blitz less and play more zone coverage, which may end up being the key that unlocks Houston’s offense from the cuffs of a bad o-line. If Kirk is able to succeed in being a slot demon for the Texans, that could take a lot of the defense’s attention off of the offensive line. Taking that pressure off the weak link of Houston’s offense could end up going a long way to making a balanced attack, hopefully with far less sacks than 2024. Finally, C.J. Stroud may have enough time in the pocket to fire at least one deep shot every game.

Although, who’s to say that slot receiver will be Christian Kirk? I feel confident in the thought that Kirk will secure the slot position on the Texans due to his multiple years of success in the slot, but with other additions like Braxton Berrios, Jaylin Noel, and Jayden Higgins, the competition is fierce. Kirk’s aforementioned lack of blocking ability may hurt Nick Caley’s scheme, so a committee approach is real possibility, as well. What do you think? Will Christian Kirk succeed as slot receiver and unleash the Texans’ offense, or will be just be another guy in the mess of speedsters that have come trough Houston before? Let us know down in the comments below!

GO TEXANS!!!!

Houston Texans Training Camp: Rookie Turning Heads

2025-07-31T10:00:00-05:00

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New starting right tackle in Houston?

The Houston Texans started training camp last week, and one rookie in particular has been turning heads, and that is second-round offensive lineman, Aireontae Ersery.

Houston did a complete rebuild along their offensive line this offseason, getting rid of Shaq Mason, Kenyon Green and Laremy Tunsil, and they also added a wide variety of players to try and replace them.

Some of those players include Cam Robinson and Trent Brown, who will be competing with Ersery for a starting job, along with 2024 second-rounder Blake Fisher. Robinson will likely be starting at left tackle, therefore is shouldn’t get in the way of Ersery.

Many figured Fisher would take the next step and potentially secure a job on the starting offensive line, but that is not the case. Fisher has not been getting first-team reps throughout training camp, and as of now, does not seem like that opportunity will come right away.

Ersery, whom the Texans drafted out of Minnesota, has been among the starters throughout the early part of training camp, and it feels like he has the best odds to become the starting right tackle as week one approaches.

The former Big 10 offensive lineman of the year has impressed those around him, and more specifically, Danielle Hunter, who is among the best in the league at his position.

Danielle Hunter on Aireontae Ersery to @MarcRoss on @nflnetwork:

“He’s a technician.. he got a chance to be one of the greats.” pic.twitter.com/3NZFEVst8h
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 30, 2025

To get that kind of recognition from someone who has had nearly a decade of success in the league, speaks volumes towards Ersery’s potential in the league.

While nothing is set in stone as of right now, it seems like Ersery is trending towards starting week one in Los Angeles.

Houston Texans: the best pass defense in football?

2025-07-31T09:05:31-05:00

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Don’t sleep on the elite

With Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Calen Bullock, C.J. Gardener-Johnson and Jalen Reed this is clearly the most stacked secondary in Houston Texans history. And in a world where the Texans are often ignored by the national media, they’re getting touted as one of, if not the best pass defense in the NFL going into the 2025 season.

No fly zone in Houston this season pic.twitter.com/9RNn5NsnRU
— PFF (@PFF) July 30, 2025

The unit that generated 19 interceptions, gaining 275 yards on those picks, has improved in the off-season. The 2024 Texans pass defense only surrendered 326 completions, 5th best in the league. That number was good enough for a 58.8% completions against them, which was #1 in the league.

And, the Texans were the only team with a completion-percentage-against under 61%.

They held opposing offenses to a 6.8 yards per completion (6th best in the NFL with only the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles doing better than 6.7 yards per completion). In the process, they surrendered 3,753 air yards (ranked 7th best) and an opposing passer rate of 83.7 (4th best).

Where they needed help was keeping opponents out of the end zone, handing out 31 receiving touchdowns. For the complete picture on that, however, the defense only gave up 11 rushing touchdowns.

The 21.9 points per game was good enough for a 14th best ranking. 42 total touchdowns landed them at 15th.

Demeco Ryans says one day it's the offense that shines and the other it's the defense who wins the battle. Today, the secondary impressed with multiple INT's and broken passes #texans #trainingcamp @KHOU https://t.co/8Oxcugbaa9 pic.twitter.com/mzPGdJGNrK
— Luis Ortiz (@OrtizSportsTV) July 30, 2025

Derek Stingley Jr. has hit his prime.

Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock both have a year under their belts and plenty of potential left on tap.

Jalen Pitre is a guided missile looking for a target.

And, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, acquired in the off-season via trade with the Eagles, brings a Super Bowl ring with him. CJGJ also brings 18 career interceptions, 304 career combined tackles, with 234 solo stops. 51 passes defensed, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 touchdown and all the swagger a safety could ever need.

J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings aren’t likely to see too much of this lineup when the Texans preseason starts on August 9th. But he also shouldn’t expect much success through the air when he does.

Stock Report from Houston Texans Training Camp

2025-07-31T08:00:00-05:00

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Whose stock is up and whose is down after one week of Houston Texans Training Camp

The Texans are one week into training camp and there are plenty of storylines already unfolding. Most notably, Joe Mixon’s absence completely derailed the running back position and created a full-fledged battle for the starting role. The offensive line has, as expected, weighed down the entire offense and been the worst unit at camp. Then there’s the lingering injury of linebacker Christian Harris, who has yet to practice or suit up at all.

Today, we are evaluating the top movers and shakers on the roster since the start of training camp. These are players whose stock has moved the most in the past week and are in significantly better or worse situations than when the week began. This can be due to extenuating circumstances such as other injuries or from their own impressive performance thus far.

Stock Up: Woody Marks, RB

The fourth-round running back’s unique skillset has been on full display. No other player’s stock has improved more than Marks due to a combination of other’s injuries and his own play. Radio hosts Landry Locker and John Harris cited Marks as an MVP from the first week on offense. While I initially predicted him to make the roster in the first edition of this year’s Rosterology, his role feels much more clear than a week ago.Marks can unlock parts of new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s playbook that will include “a lot of creativity”.

With Joe Mixon sidelined, Marks has moved up to the second or third string running back. Those added reps are critical to his development and inclusion in the offense. With our without Mixon, hopefully Marks can continue to carve a role for himself this training camp.

Stock Down: Derek Barnett, DE

Derek Barnett signed a one-year, $5M contract with the Texans this offseason, but has spent the entirety of training camp on the PUP List. In his stead, Dylan Horton and free agent signee Darrell Taylor have stepped up.

Four defensive linemen start on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

DE Derek Barnett
DE Denico Autry
DT Foley Fatukasi
DT Kurt Hinish

Plenty of competition at end. Good opportunities for Dylan Horton, Darrell Taylor, and Casey Toohill.

Fatukasi and Hinish far from…
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) July 23, 2025

Barnett was a key rotational piece on the defensive line last season and racked up five sacks, the most he’s had since 2020. However, if he’s unhealthy and falling behind in the rotation, there may not be a chance to regain his role in 2025.

Stock Up: Jaylin Noel, WR

Noel has impressed on the field in a multitude of roles. Many slated Noel as “next year’s slot receiver” while Christian Kirk holds down the role, but the rookie has been pushing Kirk for the position right out of the gate. He also is returning punts on special teams, where he is most likely to have an immediate impact.

The first preseason game against the Vikings will provide insight into the Texans’ plan to utilize Noel. Similar to Marks, this rookie needs to create a role for himself in a crowded positional group.

Stock Down: Juice Scruggs, OG/OC

On day six of training camp, Scruggs was seen running with the third team. In 2024, the former second-rounder started at both guard and center, but has been relegated by the current coaching staff.

Third stringers do not make the team; not when they were a part of last year’s offensive line. Possibly, Scruggs is not a scheme fit anymore for the offense. If that is the case, he could be suiting up for another franchise in short order.

Stock Up: Myles Bryant, CB

It would be easy to assume Myles Bryant would be the odd-man0out considering all of the new faces added to the secondary. So far, this has been far from the case. Bryant is holding down the nickel cornerback role at camp. His placement here allows for several things; Jalen Pitre to play a more true safety/box LB role, Calen Bullock to play free safety, and the two starting CBs Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. to stay on the boundaries. His skill at nickel and on special teams rounds out an extremely deep secondary.

Stock Down: Christian Harris, LB

One week in and no signs of improvement from Harris. Nick Schwager wrote about Harris’ injury earlier this week. It’s thoroughly concerning the Texans’ best linebacker cannot get on the field. His lingering injury has cost him the starting role and potentially a safe spot on the roster for the second season in a row.

The addition of linebacker E.J. Speed only complicates things for Harris. Houston can roster five to six capable LBs without Harris: Speed, Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, Jake Hansen, and Nick Niemann are all suitable options. Harris undoubtedly makes this group better, but this team can’t wait around for him to heal.

Stock Up: Brevin Jordan, TE

Jordan’s career has been a recurring cycle of injury, hype, performance and injury. Even so, Jordan’s ACL recovery appears to be going exceptionally well. The second tight end role is completely up for grabs, as detailed by VBallRetired this week.

Texans TE Brevin Jordan talks recovering from ACL tear, excitement for new season https://t.co/k1AY6K9mDY
— SportsRadio 610 (@SportsRadio610) July 30, 2025

Jordan has been a dynamic asset when he’s fully healthy and incorporated into the offense. We all remember his ‘breakout’ game against the Browns in the playoffs two years ago. Jordan still needs to fend off second-year Cade Stover, rookie Luke Lachey, and veteran Irv Smith Jr.

Honorable mentions, stock up:

Aireontae Ersery, OT - the rookie is continually running with the first-stringers at primarily right tackle
Jakob Johnson - FB1 and TE3 according to Landry Locker. Coaches love his utility
Laken Robinson, LG - appears to have locked down the left guard spot

Honorable mentions, stock down:

Jimmie Ward, S - not mentioned above because I've detailed him enough this offseason and in the Rosterology
Blake Fisher, OT - struggling against Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Was benched mid-drive in practice due to false start. Not starting.
Joe Mixon, RB - unexpectedly prolonged injury is devastating but didn’t want to highlight as it is well covered.