Well, so much for the two replacements for Jayden Higgins
According to KPRC 2 Sports Aaron Wilson, the Texans are releasing both wide receiver Sterling Shepard and wide receiver Zay Jones after signing them to one-year deals last week.
Neither is promised a roster spot, but given that both players came with years of experience, there's a chance that at least one of them would have strengthened the core of the roster with Higgins out for the rest of the regular season.
A former second-round pick out of Oklahoma, Shepard is best known for his time with the New York Giants. A No. 2 weapon in the Big Apple opposite Odell Beckham Jr. and then Kenny Golladay, he's been known for route-running, a smooth ability to work his way in and out of traffic and strong
hands.
#Texans cut Sterling Shepard, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 30, 2026
At this point in his career, Shepard is likely nothing more than a low-end starter or high-end depth piece, but he's a veteran who still remains an active player. After reuniting with former Sooner teammate Baker Mayfield down in Tampa last fall, he became a decent option behind the No. 1.
Last season, Shepard caught 39 passes for just under 400 yards. In Friday's loss to the Carolina Panthers, Shepard caught two passes for 7 yards.
Jones, a former second-round pick out of East Carolina, is a depth receiver destined for a breakout game each season. Since 2017, Jones has had at least one game where he led his team in targets. With the Texans, he could at least give some stability for a pair of games as the No. 3 option.
On Friday, Jones caught the only touchdown by the Texans, a 6-yard slant in the fourth quarter.
Barring a chance, Houston's wide receiver should be set at six with Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, rookie Lewis Bond and veteran Jared Wayne. Tank Dell is another option, but it's expected to be a candidate for the injured reserve to begin the season.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans release veteran WRs Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones as part of roster cuts
