The Houston Texans took a ding to their defensive line depth when defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes decided to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season.
Coach and general manager Bill O’Brien told reporters Friday that he had a personal conversation with the former Oakland Raiders 2017 third-round pick, who was “very respectful.”
“He called and we talked about it,” O’Brien said. “He does have a pre-existing condition and he’s also had family members that have dealt with it over the last six months. He’s making a decision in the best interest of his family and we respect that decision.”
The Texans claimed former 2019 undrafted free agent Albert Huggins off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles to take Vanderdoes’ place. Huggins previously was with the Texans in the 2019 offseason and was a member of the club’s practice squad.
O’Brien says when he has conversations with players about opting out, he gives them a listening ear; he doesn’t have a “specific end in mind.”
Said O’Brien: “The players have just entered the building, so you don’t start with the end in mind in any conversation. You just listen. You got to be a great listener. You have to be a great listener. Players are going through it. Staff are going through it. Everybody’s going through it, so we just have to, as a staff, be great listeners. Yes, I’ve tried to lend my ear to all the players and as best I can, be there for them and our staff as we walk through the first, let’s call it couple weeks of doing this full speed, to be available for any trepidations or hesitations somebody might have. We’ve tried to be there for everybody – players, staff, coach – anybody.”
Players have until Aug. 3 to opt-out of the season. The Texans do not currently have any players listed on the COVID-19 reserve.
