Houston Texans Roster News: Texans Sign Jaleel Johnson, Expect Charlie Heck To Return

In the Texans’ first win of the season over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston lost a starting defensive tackle to an ankle injury. Before the season began, in a surprise move, Houston cut Jaleel Johnson, who just so happens to play defensive tackle. Johnson had a fine preseason and was part of Minnesota’s defensive line rotation in past years. Off Johnson went, signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad.

Well, he’s back now. Houston signed him off New Orleans’ practice squad to the active roster after losing Vincent Taylor.

Houston also made changes to their practice squad. They signed safety Grayland Arnold and released cornerback Antonio Phillips.

That’s all for the roster at the moment. There is other injury news, though. After missing last week because of COVID-19, Charlie Heck is expected back. It will be interesting to see what the Texans do at right tackle against the Browns. Marcus Cannon and Geron Christian were on a rotation against Jacksonville. How Heck, who was thought to be the starting right tackle before he tested positive, fits in now bears watching.

Here are some other quick hits...

• Laremy Tunsil is still recovering from COVID-19 and that’s the most likely reason he had a down game on Sunday.
• Jonathan Greenard and Lonnie Johnson Jr. are back at practice after missing last week.
• Ka’imi Fairbairn is expected to miss at least two more weeks with a groin injury.

Houston plays the Browns this Sunday, September 19th at 12 p.m. CDT.