Houston Texans Roster News: Updates On Kevin Johnson & Chris Clark, One Player Cut, One Player Signed To Practice Squad

At this same time of the week, every week, the Houston Texans make roster moves. Aaron Wilson usually spills the beans, and this week he had a lot to say.

The biggest bit is concerning the health of several Texans heading into the game Sunday against the Seahawks. Chris Clark strained his calf against the Cleveland Browns. He didn’t practice this week and it may prevent him from playing on Sunday. Duane Brown’s return came at the perfect time. If Houston was forced to play without Clark and Brown, they would have to start either Kendall Lamm, who is one of the worst tackles in the NFL, or Julie’n Davenport, who is not capable of playing left tackle in the NFL yet. Luckily, Brown is here and they won’t have to make this decision. Instead, the decision will be whether or not to start Clark or Breno Giacomini at right tackle. Clark is the better pass blocker, Giacomini the better run blocker. It’s seems like this decision will depend on the opponent, or if whether they want to roll with Jeff Allen or Greg Mancz at guard. They need to pick the tackle that best matches up against their opponent and complements whoever is staring at guard. I’m guessing Giacomini will end up starting even when Clark is healthy.

The other player who may return to the team this week is Kevin Johnson. The former first round pick is practicing after missing four games with a MCL sprain. It will be interesting to see how well he plays. Johnson struggled in his first two games and is now coming off an injury. Houston needs him, ,though. His return will allow the Texans to use Kareem Jackson is different ways, hopefully playing him at the slot where he can be closer to the ball, have a greater affect on the run game, and not have to cover dynamic receivers. Johnson will need to make an impact and play great right away, considering a pass rush must continue to exist without Whitney Mercilus or J.J. Watt.

The last bit of news involves some minor roster transactions. The Texans released Marcus Burley, a 27 year old defensive back who has bounced around the league and signed with the Texans shortly before the season began. He played five games with Houston this season, but I don’t remember him ever being on the field. The other transaction is that the Texans have signed Chunky Clements to their practice squad. He’s from the University of Illinois and is a former member of the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. They made this decision after working out an entire group of guys. I guess Chunky was the best one.

That’s all the news this week as Houston gets ready to head up to Seattle.