The Houston Texans’ 28-26 week one preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers is in the rearview mirror. As is the nature of early August football, the Texans are playing to hash out their roster; in turn, some players are heading to the Turk.
If the Texans’ four-headed GM is wondering who to part ways with after Thursday, here are three to help.
1. rb taiwan jones
Jones recorded 28 yards on seven rushes for the Texans on Thursday. He started the game at running back and looked fast. The problem; he fumbled the ball twice and struggled to find open lanes.
Jones’ preseason performance hurt his stock; despite his well-doing on special teams. While he struggled to run the ball efficiently, undrafted rookies Damarea Crockett and Karan Higdon impressed. Both have their eyes set on the No. 3 job, behind Lamar Miller and recently acquired Duke Johnson.
The 28-year-old Jones’ spot on the roster lies within the special teams. He’s made his money as a kick returner since 2011, averaging 23 yards for his career. But, the Texans have that in DeAndre Burton; who will come off the PUP next week.
If the Texans want to enter 2019 with four running backs, they may opt to keep O’Brien-favorite Buddy Howell. But, neither Jones nor Howell offers consistency on offense. Crockett and Higdon both played special teams on Thursday and found more success running the ball than any other back.
2. og senio kelemete
Is Kelemete’s spot on the roster fading? He started last year at left guard, but his campaign wasn’t particularly inspiring. If the Texans cut him, they will save $2.5 million to $1.5 million in dead cap, per Over The Cap. Most importantly; the depth at his position is filled with high draft picks.
2019 first rounder Tytus Howard is getting his snaps at LG and primed to start there come September 9th. Martinas Rankin, a third-round pick in 2018, is practicing there at training camp; it was his best position played in his rookie year.
With six other offensive linemen locked in — or near it — (Seantrel Henderson, Zach Fulton, Matt Kalil, Nick Martin, Max Scharping, Greg Mancz) it’s tough to project Kelemete in the lineup.
The most telling sign that the end may be near is the Texans played him 24 snaps on Thursday as a backup. However, he should warrant interest in trade talks.
3. cb deante burton
A practice squad member turned two-game player for the Texans in 2018, Burton has plus traits. He’s lengthy (6-2), athletic, isn’t afraid to hit, and on Thursday, forced a fumble. He’s what most teams want in a special teamer and, if cut, will make a roster because of so.
But he’s still new to the position. When with the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, he switched from wide receiver to cornerback. His defensive game has reflected that; while he has good traits, he’s raw. Burton allowed a 40-yard defensive pass interference on Thursday; a right call that O’Brien didn’t challenge.
The Texans have raw cornerbacks bound to make the roster — Lonnie Johnson and Xavier Crawford — and ones vying to make it; Derrick Baity and Jermaine Kelly. They also have one specifically on-board for his special teams play in Johnson Bademosi.
