Texans Roster: Biggest Takeaways from 53-man Slim Down

The most consequential cuts of all were made to the Texans’ offensive line. Although they held onto their new first-round guard Kenyon Green, they ended up waiving offensive linemen Tre’vour Wallace-Simms and Jordan Steckler as well as center Jimmy Morrissey. Additionally, the Texans cut offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi and dropped tight ends Seth Green, Antony Auclair, and Mason Schreck.

Potential Impacts

What the Texans are left with on offense is a little difficult to figure out. 4 running backs is plenty, even too many if Dameon Pierce really has the breakout year some are expecting. But while Marlon Mack didn’t quite have an outstanding preseason as a whole, he did start heating up in week 3. Rex Burkhead would have been the more logical choice to cut, as he performed consistently under par throughout August. But perhaps money played a factor in that decision.

Davis Mills and Kyle Allen both played well in week 2 of the preseason, and Mills was fantastic in week 3. Although they probably won’t put up elite numbers every week, both are safe, conservative leaders. They’ve proven they can work well with a grinding, grueling offensive scheme. But both of them were also hit quite a few times, which could be a disastrous trend if it continues into the regular season.

The wide receiver room definitely seems small right now. The 5 wide receivers left are Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Chris Moore, Tyler Johnson, and Phillip Dorsett. These guys are good, some of them with pro bowl potential. But there may be times when 4 out of 5 of them could all be on the field at the same time. As it stands, this is not a helpful strategy when preparing for injuries. Wide receivers inevitably get tackled all the time – if one can avoid injuries for a whole season that’s a minor miracle.

What Line?

And if the wide receiver room seems small, then prepare to enter the cupboard where the offensive line now lives. The Texans’ sole left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, will be entering his 7th year in the NFL, while the team’s only right guard, A.J. Cann, will be starting his 8th NFL season. Altogether the team only has 2 centers, 3 guards, and 4 tackles. After the last season, the Texans seem to be playing with fire. In 2021, Texans players altogether missed 108 games from the IR list alone. Laremy Tunsil himself missed 12 games due to injury.