Texans football is just days away. While the front office continues to add new faces to the team due to injuries, several players on the roster have a lot on the line in the first preseason game. This list focuses on players who can make real strides in securing a role or even simply a roster spot based on their performance this Saturday. Rookies are included, but I try to keep this list to players on the knife’s edge of making the roster.
I’ve included each player’s jersey number so you can follow
along during the game.
Darrell Taylor, DE – #52
Houston’s newest DE pass rusher is in a volatile situation due to injuries and limited roster spots. He needs to take full advantage of this game with Autry and Barnett out. Both veterans are dealing with injuries and have yet to practice, which elevates Taylor to the clear-cut second string DE behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Another good outing on top of last Saturday’s game could solidify his spot while putting heat on the injured vets to return.
Braxton Berrios, WR – #17
Based on the Texans recent depth chart, Berrios is projected to be cut from the roster. This is Berrios’ first training camp in Houston… and maybe his last. He has fallen behind rookie Jaylin Noel and veteran Christian Kirk for the slot receiver role. However, Berrios shined in the first preseason game, catching the team’s sole TD in the first series.
To make the roster, he must demonstrate he still has potential in the slot; being the best punt returner won’t cut it in this deep wide receiver room.
Cade Stover, TE – #87
Stover’s rookie campaign was cut short due to a collarbone injury suffered in the Wild Card game. He’s returned healthy, but faces competition for reps. Houston drafted Luke Lachey in the seventh round to address run blocking woes, which Stover and the tight end committee struggled with in 2024. Stover needs to demonstrate his health, utility, and development in a crucial season for the second-year TE.
Plus, the news that Brevin Jordan is out for the season with another torn ACL means Stover is the TE2… but is he ready for that responsibility?
Blake Fisher, OT – #57
No player has disappointed more in training camp than Fisher. Currently, he’s running with the backups – even behind newly acquired OT Connor McDermott. On Monday, Scott wrote about Fisher already being labeled a bust. Rookie Aireentay Ersery has overtaken him as the starting right tackle, which is a tough look for last year’s second round pick to have already conceded. Fisher is desperate to demonstrate his development as a right tackle prospect. I’ve been curious if a move to right guard is feasible, but that has yet to be tested by the coaching staff.
Nick Neimann, LB – #32
For many of you, this could be your first team hearing of Niemann. The veteran LB specializes in run-stopping, special teams, and replaces Neville Hewitt’s role from last season. With Christian Harris finally back, an impressive second preseason game from Neimann can bolster his chances of making the roster. He went from cut to making the roster on the second edition of the rosterology, and he can further entrench himself in the role with a strong performance.
Luke Lachey, TE – #42
Many of the above players are on the inside-looking-out. For the seventh-round rookie, it’s an uphill climb to make the roster. Lachey sits last on the depth chart Lachey’s frame and experience at Iowa make him an ideal run blocking, play action tight end in this system. However, it doesn’t appear he’s fully adapted to the size and speed of the NFL. If he can show out against Minnesota, he can start the conversation for the Texans keeping four tight ends.
Tommy Togiai, DT – #72
The defensive tackle room is a mess. Houston added two pieces this early in training camp to simply get through practice. In 2024, Togai was a practice squad player who carved out a nice role for himself by the end of the season. This year, he’s firmly claimed the second-string role alongside Mario Edwards Jr. With all of the injuries and new faces, Togiai needs to distance himself from the injured options (Foley Fatukasi and Kurt Hinish) before they return.
Jawhar Jordan, RB – #22
After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, Jordan has proven himself worthy of a look in training camp. He has improved his stock the most since Joe Mixon’s injury, standing out as the best between-the-tackles RB in the group. Arguably, he’s outplayed Nick Chubb. Jordan is slated to tote the rock quite often this Saturday, as he lead the team last week in carries. Rosterology 2.0 predicted he will land on the practice squad once again, but this time he has a real shot to make it.
Jakob Johnson, FB/TE – #43
In a relatively unknown offensive system, players such as Jakob Johnson live in the void. He’s currently listed as the fifth tight end in a position that tends to only hold three players. However, this offense may desperately need and often incorporate a dual-purpose player such as Johnson. Houston recently re-signed Dalton Keene for the same utility role as Johnson, which adds another layer of complexity to Johnson’s ascension onto the roster.
Tremon Smith, CB – #11
There’s a three-person race for two spots in the cornerback room. Obviously, Kamari Lassiter, Derek Stingley Jr., and third round pick Jaylin Smith are in. The last two spots are between Tremon Smith, D’Angelo Ross, and Myles Bryant. Both Ross and Bryant were on the team in 2024, but Smith comes to us from Chicago where he was a special teams ace. He has distinguished himself in coverage well this training camp and could be another depth piece in a fantastic secondary, but first he needs to claim his spot on Saturday. He should see a ton of reps while the first string DBs sit out.
