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The NFL changed the rule book this year. Gone our the days when teams slowly snipped and trimmed the roster to the 53 man ideal. Now, it’s a bandage rip or a guillotine yank. Teams have until 3 p.m. CDT tomorrow to bring their roster within code compliance. They then have until 12 p.m. CDT Sunday to craft their practice squad.
There are notable veterans around the league who can and will get fired today and tomorrow. Houston isn’t expected one of the teams that will make moves like that, though. There isn’t anyone obvious on this roster to let go who would fit that category. Instead, for the Texans, these next two days will be dominated by the release of UDFAs and small-time names.
As the next two days go by, follow the cuts in this open thread. We’ll update it the cuts are made and the Houston Texans’ roster becomes finalized for the 2017 season.
UPDATE: The roster downsizing has begun, with three players already known to have received pink slips.
Texans cutting Mike Catapano, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 1, 2017
Texans have waived veteran tight end RaShaun Allen with an injury settlement, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 1, 2017
Texans cut rookie offensive lineman Erik Austell, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 1, 2017
UPDATE II: So long, Sio. Best of luck as you look to catch on elsewhere.
#Texans cutting Sio Moore
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 1, 2017
UPDATE III: Another release.
The Texans have released rookie safety Malik Smith, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 1, 2017
UPDATE IV: One more...
Texans removed Dayon Pratt from injured reserve with an injury settlement
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 1, 2017
UPDATE V: First publicized cut of Saturday morning:
The Texans cut wide receiver Marcus Leak, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
UPDATE VI: Wow. Some real surprise cuts here, including Brandon Weeden, Nick Novak, and Robert Nelson.
Texans cut safety K.J. Dillon, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans cut rookie tight end Evan Baylis, according to a source. Practice squad likely if he clears waivers
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans cut outside linebacker Gimel President, according to a source. Want back for practice squad if clears waivers. Hamstring injury
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans waived-injured corner Robert Nelson, according to a source. Hamstring injury improving, should be ready soon
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans cut veteran backup Brandon Weeden, according to a source. Comes as a surprise as Texans go with two QBs Tom Savage, Deshaun Watson
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans cut Nick Novak, changing kickers to Ka'imi Fairbairn
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans cut wide receiver Dres Anderson, the son of former NFL wide receiver Flipper Anderson, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
The Texans cut offensive guard Josh Walker, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
UPDATE VII:
Texans cut outside linebacker Eric Lee, who had two sacks against Saints, according to a source. Will be back for practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans waived-injured cornerback Denzel Rice (ankle), according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
The Texans cut linebacker Tony Washington Jr., according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans cut running back Dare Ogunbowale and defensive lineman Eli Ankou, according to sources. Strong candidates for practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans cut wide receiver Justin Hardee, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans cut offensive lineman Laurence Gibson, according to a source.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
The Texans cut offensive guard Chad Slade and wide receiver Germone Hopper, according to sources
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans have cut offensive guard David Quessenberry, according to a source. Tough deal
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Couple of waived-injured moves expected for Texans: Matthew Godin (torn ACL), Wendall Williams (broken collarbone)
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans have cut inside linebacker Shakeel Rashad, per a source. Will draw interest from other NFL teams, practice squad in Houston an option
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans waived-injured safety Lonnie Ballentine (knee), according to a source. Likely injury settlement later
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans also cut defensive end Daniel Ross today, according to a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
UPDATE VIII: More players cut, as well as some good news for Bruce Ellington.
Texans waived-injured: RaShaun Allen, Lonnie Ballentine, Cory Carter, Matthew Godin, Denzel Rice, Malik Smith, Wendall Williams
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Texans' cuts include: Chris Thompson, Marcus Roberson, Rickey Hatley, Bryce Jones
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
Bruce Ellington made the most out of his opportunity with the Texans after being cut from the Jets, making their initial 53-man roster
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 2, 2017
UPDATE IX: The Texans have waived RB Akeem Hunt to make room for wide receiver Andy Jones, who was on the Cowboys practice squad.
Texans awarded wide receiver Andy Jones off waivers from Cowboys https://t.co/GnxHAWRMhK
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 3, 2017
To make room for new WR Andy Jones on the roster the Texans have waived veteran RB Akeem Hunt. They still have 5 RBs on roster. A
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 3, 2017
The Texans kept 6 RBs when roster reduced to 53. Hunt release leaves them with 5 including 4 who are healthy.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 3, 2017
By my count, here’s a complete list of the Texans’ thirty-eight known cuts thus far:
Mike Catapano
RaShaun Allen
Erik Austell
Sio Moore
Malik Smith
Dayon Pratt
Marcus Leak
K.J. Dillon
Evan Baylis
Gimel President
Robert Nelson
Brandon Weeden
Nick Novak
Dres Anderson
Josh Walker
Avery Williams
Riley McCarron
Eric Lee
Denzel Rice
Tony Washington
Dare Ogunbowale
Eli Ankou
Justin Hardee
Laurence Gibson
Chad Slade
Germone Hopper
David Quessenberry
Matthew Godin
Wendall Williams
Shakeel Rashad
Lonnie Ballentine
Daniel Ross
Marcus Roberson
Rickey Hatley
Bryce Jones
Akeem Hunt
UPDATE X: This appears to be the first 53-man roster for your 2017 Houston Texans.
UPDATE XI: Here are the players that were signed to the Texans practice squad, per Aaron Wilson.
Texans re-signed David Quessenberry to practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 3, 2017
Texans' practice squad: Evan Baylis, Bryce Jones, Riley McCarron, Dare Ogunbowale, Gimel President, David Quessenberry
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 3, 2017
Texans also signed Daniel Ross, Chad Slade, Chris Thompson to practice squad
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 3, 2017