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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Texans | Two will compete for No. 3 RB job Wed Aug 5, 12:22 PM
Houston Texans RBs Buddy Howell and Karan Higdon will compete for the No. 3 running back job during training camp, according to Danny Barrett. The winner of the job likely will have to contribute on special teams.
Link to storyKaran Higdon player page
Texans | Will Fuller ready to roll Fri Jul 31, 09:42 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller (groin) is fully recovered from groin surgery, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. 'We're excited about having him for 16 games,' O'Brien said. 'He looks as good as he's ever looked'
| Footballguys view: Fuller is so good...when healthy. It's that staying healthy thing that has been a trouble spot for him. The Texans are moving forward without superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins who was traded away to the Cardinals this offseason. Now, more than ever, they need Fuller to stay healthy and produce at a high level. He's worth taking a chance on, even if it's just to capture a small window when he is healthy, as a mid-round pick. Fuller has a current ADP of WR35 (8.03) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Two start camp on PUP list Fri Jul 31, 06:11 PM
Houston Texans LB Dylan Cole (undisclosed) and CB Gareon Conley (undisclosed) were placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Friday, July 31.
Link to storyGareon Conley player page
Dylan Cole player page
Texans | Deshaun Watson, GM talking extension Fri Jul 31, 01:57 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson and his representatives are talking with general manager Bill O'Brien and the team on a contract extension. 'We're working hard,' O'Brien said Friday, July 31. 'We want him here a long time.'
| Footballguys view: Watson and the Texans brass have been talking since April. They didn't get a deal done before Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reset the market, and it will be interesting to see how all quarterback deals are impacted by that contract. Watson is under the team's control through the 2021 season as they picked up his fifth-year option. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Texans | Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard cleared Fri Jul 31, 12:19 PM
Houston Texans OTs Laremy Tunsil (shoulder) and Tytus Howard (knee) passed their physicals Friday, July 31, and are cleared to practice when workouts begin.
Link to story Texans | Ira Lewis back on reserve Tue Jul 28, 06:32 PM
Updating a previous story, Houston Texans DE Ira Lewis was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list Tuesday, July 28.
Link to story Texans | Jamir Jones cut Tue Jul 28, 05:01 PM
Houston Texans rookie LB Jamir Jones was cut Tuesday, July 28, according to a league source.
Link to story Texans | Eddie Vanderdoes opts out Tue Jul 28, 10:50 AM
Houston Texans DT Eddie Vanderdoes has opted out of the 2020 season.
| Footballguys view: Vanderdoes did not play in 2018 due to injury but did appear in three games for the Texans in 2019. He was going to be a rotational player for the Texans up front. |
Eddie Vanderdoes player page
Texans | Houston meets with two FAs Mon Jul 27, 08:03 PM
Free-agent TE Geoff Swaim (Jaguars) and LB Kyle Emanuel (Chargers) met with the Houston Texans Monday, July 27, according to sources. They are scheduled to undergo physicals with the team Tuesday, July 28.
Link to storyKyle Emanuel player page
Geoff Swaim player page
Texans | Houston adding Albert Huggins Mon Jul 27, 06:51 PM
Former Philadelphia Eagles DT Albert Huggins was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans Monday, July 27.
Link to story Texans | Five players no longer on roster Mon Jul 27, 06:35 PM
Houston Texans LS Anthony Kukwa, S Shalom Luani, QB Nick Tiano and OG Elex Woodworth were waived Monday, July 27. The team also waived DE Ira Lewis (undisclosed) with a non-football injury designation.
Link to story Texans | Senio Kelemete close to extension Mon Jul 27, 10:57 AM
Houston Texans OT Senio Kelemete is close to finalizing a one-year extension Monday, July 27. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Link to story Texans | J.J. Watt a terror on third down in 2019 Sun Jul 26, 11:03 PM
Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt posted a pass-rush win rate of 29.4 percent on third down in 2019 - the second-best mark in the league - according to Pro Football Focus.
Link to storyJ.J. Watt player page
Texans | Benardrick McKinney ready to go Wed Jul 22, 09:31 PM
Houston Texans LB Benardrick McKinney (ankle) said he is fully recovered from the ankle surgery he had in February.
| Footballguys view: The surgery was more of a clean up and wasn't a major procedure. He was always going to be ready before the start of the regular season and everything is on track. McKinney is a rock solid player who is a key piece of the Texans defense. |
Benardrick McKinney player page
Texans | Tracy Smith receives promotion Tue Jul 21, 09:06 PM
Houston Texans assistant special teams coach Tracy Smith was named the team's special teams coordinator Tuesday, July 21.
Link to story Texans | John Reid signs rookie deal Tue Jul 21, 05:34 PM
Houston Texans fourth-round pick DB John Reid signed his four-year rookie deal Tuesday, July 21. Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Reid isn't a huge corner but he makes up for his lack of size, length and strength with great ball skills and a competitive nature. He's a smart player who should be able to quickly get up to speed at the pro level. |
Texans | Houston signs Isaiah Coulter Tue Jul 21, 05:01 PM
Houston Texans fifth-round pick WR Isaiah Coulter signed his four-year rookie contract Tuesday, July 21, according to a source. Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
| Footballguys view: There are some in the scouting community who compare Coulter's game to that of former NFL WR Brandon Lloyd. Coulter has speed to get open with ease, then he can create more separation after the catch with his speed. At Rhode Island he produced against FCS-level competition but did play well when going up against larger FBS schools. We'll monitor him closely in dynasty formats. |
Texans | Ross Blacklock inks rookie deal Tue Jul 21, 04:01 PM
Houston Texans second-round pick DT Ross Blacklock signed his four-year rookie contract Tuesday, July 21. The deal is worth $7.95 million with $4.92 million guaranteed.
| Footballguys view: Blacklock missed two seasons and started two seasons in college at TCU. He's incredibly disruptive at 290 pounds and has the traits to be a pressure-starter on quarterbacks from the middle of the line. He also has the versatility to play all across the defensive line. |
Texans | Senio Kelemete could be on roster bubble Fri Jul 17, 06:34 PM
Houston Texans OG Senio Kelemete has a chance to make the final roster because of his ability to play multiple offensive line positions, but he does count $3.5 million against the salary cap in 2020.
| Footballguys view: Kelemete's versatility will probably land him on a 53 man roster this year, but if 2019 second round pick Max Scharping has a good camp, Kelemete will be expendable. |
Texans | Kenny Stills arrested Wed Jul 15, 09:47 AM
Houston Texans WR Kenny Stills was among 87 people arrested Tuesday, July 14, while allegedly protesting outside of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron's home. The group was in protest demanding action for the Breonna Taylor case, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. Stills was charged with intimidating a participant in the legal process, a felony, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. His arraignment was set for 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.
| Footballguys view: This doesn't fall under typical off-field arrests and the league may not pursue any discipline against Stills for this. He's part of a crowded and uncertain Texans wide receiver picture in the wake of the DeAndre Hopkins trade and he has often been the last drafted of the top four - if he is drafted at all. |
Kenny Stills player page
Texans | Chris Landrum let go Tue Jul 14, 05:23 PM
Houston Texans LB Chris Landrum was cut Tuesday, July 14, according to the league's official transaction report.
| Footballguys view: Landrum spent last year on injured reserve with a hip injury that has been an issue since 2018. It's possible that is still the problem for reserve outside linebacker. |
Texans | Lamar Miller working out Fri Jul 10, 09:11 AM
Free-agent RB Lamar Miller (knee) posted a video that showed him running and cutting after he missed the entire 2019 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
| Footballguys view: Miller should be signed at some point this year as a veteran who will have a short ramp-up to NFL conditioning and assignments, but he might not get a call until there is an injury in camp or during the regular season. The Eagles might still be in the market for a veteran and should be on the short list of possible teams that would sign Miller without an injury in the backfield. |
Lamar Miller player page
Texans | Brandin Cooks the top target? Sat Jul 4, 09:48 PM
Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks will be QB Deshaun Watson's No. 1 target and lead the team in catches in 2020, in the opinion of Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: Cooks is more durable than Will Fuller, but has last year's concussion worries hanging over him. Kenny Stills and Randall Cobb will be the other main targets at wide receiver for Watson, who has to find a new go-to target to replace DeAndre Hopkins. None of them cost too much in drafts and any are worth picks at ADP because of the upside Watson presents in connection with his targets. |
Brandin Cooks player page
Texans | Jordan Akins logging reps with QB Wed Jun 24, 10:18 PM
Houston Texans TE Jordan Akins has been working out with teammates this offseason and has been catching passes from QB Deshaun Watson.
| Footballguys view: Akins had more receptions (36) and yards (418) than Darren Fells in 2019, including a 7.1 yards after the catch per reception rate which was 4th among tight ends last season. With Jordan Thomas and Kahale Warring back healthy (and Fells as the starter) then we could see numbers dip for Akins in 2020. |
Jordan Akins player page
Texans | Kenny Stills goes deep often Sun Jun 21, 07:14 PM
Houston Texans WR Kenny Stills has been targeted 20 yards or more downfield 30 percent of the time in his career - the fourth-highest mark in the league since 2015.
| Footballguys view: Stills can make plays at the pro level and he's got strong chemistry with QB Deshaun Watson. The Texans have a new-look WR corps without DeAndre Hopkins and they are looking for someone to elevate their game. Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller and Stills are the top three options at the position. If Fuller gets banged up again, unfortunately a yearly occurrence, then Stills could easily be a flex-worthy options for Fantasy GMs in 2020. |
Kenny Stills player page
Texans | Few stretch the field like Will Fuller Sun Jun 21, 07:03 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller has been targeted 20 yards or more downfield 31 percent of the time in his career - tied for the second-highest mark in the league since 2015.
| Footballguys view: Fuller is your classic deep threat...and he can be a top weapon in the league if healthy. Unfortunately, Fuller is injured every year and has never played a full 16-game season in the pros. Without DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans could really use Fuller staying healthy and continuing to make plays. Fuller could post career-best numbers in 2020...again...if he can stay healthy. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Deshaun Watson a downfield passing ace Fri Jun 19, 12:21 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson led the AFC with 28 big-time throws (Pro Football Focus' highest-graded throws on precise downfield passes) in 2019.
| Footballguys view: Watson is going to have to do even more of the work on third down with DeAndre Hopkins traded to Arizona. We'll see who emerges as his go-to target on key plays out of Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, and Kenny Stills. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Texans | Very little short work for Will Fuller Sun Jun 14, 06:38 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller's average depth of reception has been at least 14.2 yards in each of his four seasons in the league, according to Sports Info Solutions.
| Footballguys view: Fuller's game is all about getting deep as fast as possible. He's got speed, speed and more speed...plus Fuller does a good job tracking passes down the field. If healthy, a big IF for Fuller, he has WR2 potential for Fantasy GMs in 2020. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Darren Fells a trusted red-zone option Sat Jun 6, 05:54 PM
Houston Texans TE Darren Fells led the team with nine red-zone receptions and seven touchdowns in 2019. His 11 red-zone targets shared the team lead with WR DeAndre Hopkins.
| Footballguys view: With Hopkins traded way, Fells might get a little more work in the red zone. However, his seven touchdowns are going to be tough to duplicate. Instead it might be better to project him for around 4-5 touchdowns in 2020. |
Darren Fells player page
Texans | Brad Seely retires Fri Jun 5, 05:26 PM
Houston Texans special teams coordinator Brad Seely announced his retirement Friday, June 5.
| Footballguys view: Seely has been in the league since 1989 and won three rings under Bill Belichick in New England. Houston's special teams improved 26th in the league before he took over in 2018 to 4th last year, according to Football Outsiders. The Texans did not name his successor, but assistant special teams coach Tracy Smith has worked with Seely for ten years and could take over seamlessly. |
Texans | Timmy Jernigan back on the market Tue Jun 2, 09:34 PM
Free-agent DT Timmy Jernigan verbally agreed to a one-year contract with the Houston Texans in April, but he never passed his physical with the team and no deal was ever processed by the league. As a result, he will not sign with Houston. However, Jernigan has been cleared by Dr. Robert Watkins and is expected to draw interest from other teams, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Link to storyTimmy Jernigan player page
Texans | Brandin Cooks primed to rebound? Mon Jun 1, 10:19 PM
Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks' catch rate of 59.2 percent in 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams was the second-lowest mark of his career, and Jared Goff recorded a passer rating of only 83.2 when throwing in his direction. However, Cooks' catch rate in three of his previous four seasons was at least 65.1 percent, and his quarterbacks over that stretch enjoyed a passer rating of 103.2 or better in each of the four years when targeting him.
| Footballguys view: Cooks comes into the Texans organization as a replacement for DeAndre Hopkins. Those are huge shoes to fill, so Cooks needs a bounce-back year which starts first with staying healthy. He then needs to establish strong chemistry with superstar QB Deshaun Watson. Cooks has a current ADP of WR32 (7.06) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Brandin Cooks player page
Texans | Will Fuller got it done when he was healthy Wed May 27, 09:21 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller finished with 670 receiving yards in 2019 - the second-highest total for a player who played fewer than 12 games last season - although more than half of that total (357 yards) came in two of his 11 contests.
| Footballguys view: Fuller is incredibly talented but he's always banged up. He's never played a full 16-game regular season as a pro and he might not get through this year unscathed. The Texans traded away DeAndre Hopkins and that could open up things for Fuller to do more...if he can stay healthy. He's at least a WR2 and every-week starter when Fuller is on the field. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Kenny Stills got it done with limited chances Tue May 26, 09:16 PM
Houston Texans WR Kenny Stills caught 40 of 45 catchable targets and scored four touchdowns in 2019. Additionally, quarterbacks enjoyed a passer rating of 124.1 when throwing in his direction - the fifth-best passer rating for any receiver or tight end with at least 50 targets.
| Footballguys view: Stills should have continued importance in the Texans passing game. It will be interesting to see how they look without superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins on the field. That could mean more targets for Stills in 2020 who could have deep flex appeal in 2020. |
Kenny Stills player page
Texans | Duke Johnson to benefit from full offseason Tue May 26, 06:27 PM
Houston Texans RB Duke Johnson will gain a better understanding of the offense during his first full offseason with the team, according to offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. 'A lot of this stuff that we're covering right now, it's the first time (Johnson and David Johnson) really being able to kind of hear it in-depth and it's really, really good.'
| Footballguys view: Johnson can be utilized as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He'll be a change-of-pace back behind starter and lead back David Johnson. Duke Johnson has some deep flex appeal in PPR leagues because of his ability as a receiving back. |
Duke Johnson Jr player page
Texans | Deshaun Watson hits his mark with regularity Sun May 24, 06:05 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson was on target with 72.5 percent of his throws in 2019 - tied for the fourth-best mark by a quarterback with at least 300 pass attempts.
| Footballguys view: It's not just about being on target. Watson also does a good job of leading his receivers and throwing a catchable ball. It will be interesting to see the Texans passing game without superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins in 2020. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Texans | Coach optimistic about Will Fuller Wed May 20, 07:08 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller (groin) appears to be on track with his recovery from surgery, according to offensive coordinator Tim Kelly.
| Footballguys view: In four seasons (42 games), Fuller has never played a full 16-game season due to various injuries. We'll see if he can finally play all year long as the team needs him in a big way since they traded away DeAndre Hopkins. Fuller can be drafted as a WR4 with upside. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Nick Martin a standout pass blocker Tue May 19, 08:56 PM
Houston Texans C Nick Martin blew a block on only 0.8 percent of his 631 snaps on passing plays in 2019, according to Sports Info Solutions. The mark was tied for third among centers who played at least 300 snaps on passing downs last season.
Link to story Texans | False starts dogged Laremy Tunsil in 2019 Mon May 18, 11:26 PM
Houston Texans OT Laremy Tunsil was flagged an NFL-high 13 times for false starts in 2019, according to Sports Info Solutions. The 13 false starts are four more than any lineman has been called for since at least 2015.
Link to story Texans | Jonathan Greenard to play multiple roles Mon May 18, 09:37 AM
Houston Texans third-round pick DE/LB Jonathan Greenard is expected to play SAM linebacker and five-technique defensive end, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. He's not expected to start immediately.
Link to story Texans | Darren Fells woeful as a run blocker in 2019 Sun May 17, 07:24 PM
Houston Texans TE Darren Fells blew a block on 15 of his 296 snaps on rushing plays in 2019, according to Sports Info Solutions. The resulting 5.1 blown-block percentage was the second-worst mark by a tight end since at least 2015, while the 15 blown blocks were the most by any tight end over the same span.
Link to storyDarren Fells player page
Texans | Jonathan Greenard inks rookie deal Thu May 14, 06:01 PM
Updating a previous story, Houston Texans third-round rookie LB Jonathan Greenard officially signed his four-year rookie deal Thursday, May 14. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Link to story Texans | David Johnson did little after catch in 2019 Wed May 13, 11:37 PM
Houston Texans RB David Johnson led all NFL running backs with 139 air yards on his catches last season as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. Conversely, his 231 receiving yards after the catch was the fifth-lowest total for running backs with at least 40 targets.
| Footballguys view: Johnson needed a change of scenery as things fell apart for him with the Cardinals. He gets just that with the Texans in 2020. Johnson should be the lead back and can do plenty as a runner and receiver out of the backfield with this fresh start. |
David Johnson player page
Texans | Lonnie Johnson staying at CB Wed May 13, 03:39 PM
Houston Texans CB Lonnie Johnson will remain at cornerback and will not be an option at safety, according to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Link to storyAnthony Weaver player page
Texans | Jonathan Greenard agrees to terms Wed May 13, 03:03 PM
Houston Texans third-round draft choice LB Jonathan Greenard agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Texans Wednesday, May 13. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to story Texans | Charlie Heck signs deal Tue May 12, 03:20 PM
Updating a previous story, Houston Texans fourth-round OT Charlie Heck signed his four-year rookie deal Tuesday, May 12. The deal is worth a total of $4.005 million, including a $710,704 signing bonus.
Link to story Texans | Larry Warford may be option Fri May 8, 06:40 PM
Free-agent OG Larry Warford (Saints) is receiving interest from the Houston Texans.
Link to story Texans | Charlie Heck agrees to rookie deal Fri May 8, 06:26 PM
Houston Texans fourth-round draft choice OT Charlie Heck agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Texans Friday, May 8. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Heck is the son of former NFL player and current Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck. He's a tall, upright pass blocker with run game versatility who should be able to serve as the team's swing tackle. |
Texans | David Johnson declining in efficiency Thu May 7, 08:00 PM
Houston Texans RB David Johnson's 3.60 rushing yards per attempt since the start of the 2017 season rank fifth-worst among all running backs with a minimum of 200 attempts in that time. Johnson gained a total of 1,308 rushing yards with nine touchdowns on 363 attempts over his last 26 games played.
Link to storyDavid Johnson player page
Texans | Four-man rushes troubled Deshaun Watson Tue May 5, 09:27 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson completed only 52 percent of his passes against a four-man rush in 2019 - the second-worst mark in the league.
| Footballguys view: The Texans offensive line is a work in progress to say the least. Watson thrives when he's blitzed because he's got the athleticism to keep plays alive with his feet and evade the rush. He needs to be better when he's not pressured in 2020. |
Deshaun Watson player page
