As the Houston Texans work to finalize their initial 53-man roster, perhaps the first surprise came on defense.
According to reports, the Texans have waived linebacker Jamal Hill. Hill, a special teams standout, has been with the team since they drafted him in the sixth round out of Oregon in the 2024 NFL Draft.
#Texans are waiving linebacker Jamal Hill, per a league source. If he clears waivers, team wants him back on practice squad @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 30, 2026
Back in 2024, Hill successfully fought to make Houston’s active roster and played in a total of eight games. As a rookie that year, he recorded four total tackles as a special teams player. In 2025, he was also primarily a special teams player but did get a few snaps on defense over the 12 games he appeared
in.
On the Texans’ initial depth chart at the beginning of August, Hill was listed as a third-string linebacker behind starters Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’o To’o. He also was behind rookie fourth-rounder Wade Woodaz out of Clemson and Jake Hummel, who was with the Baltimore Ravens last year.
The additions of Woodaz and Hummel are probably what ultimately led to Hill not making the 53-man roster this season. However, it does not appear this is the end of his time with Houston.
Hill is currently on the waiver wire and if no other NFL team claims him by 12 p.m. CT on Monday, the Texans will be able to sign Hill back to their practice squad, which they are hoping to do.
A total of 16 players can be signed to the practice squad, as well as one player from the international player pathway program.
The Texans open the regular season at home against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans waive LB Jamal Hill after promising camp, considered practice squad candidate
