Texans 53-Man Roster Projection 3.0: How Jayden Higgins' Injury Changes Things

The Houston Texans have two of their three preseason games in the books.

And after a couple of preseason games, a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders, and a whole lot of training camp practices since the end of July, there's been a few noteworthy changes around what to expect for the Texans' 53-man roster cutdown.

One of those, of course, is the newest injury suffered by second-year wide receiver Jayden Higgins, effectively ending his 2026 season. That absence for Higgins can certainly create a bit of a ripple effect as to how this 53-man roster changes because of it.

At this point, cutdown day is less than two weeks away––sitting at the end of the month on August 30th. The clock is ticking before the Texans are tasked with making some tough decisions around the roster, and determining who are the 53 players best suited to be on the roster come Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

Let's break down a brand-new 53-man roster projection based on what we've seen since the start of camp:

QB

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brett Rypien (16) passes against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(2): C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills

The Texans could decide to roll into the year with Brett Rypien as their QB, but as of his latest showing against the Raiders, he hasn't presented any compelling evidence as to why he should be in line to have a 53-man roster spot.

Perhaps the Texans could sign somebody else to compete for that spot on the depth chart, or give Rypien an extended run in preseason game three. As of now, though, I don't think he's locked into a spot by any means.

RB

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) celebrates running back Woody Marks (4) touchdown agains the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(3): David Montgomery, Woody Marks, Jawhar Jordan

The Texans did feel likely to give British Brooks a roster spot here. But he broke his foot earlier in training camp, and doesn't have a clear timetable for his return. So right now, Houston could be primed to keep three backs onboard for Week 1.

Noah Whittington could have a chance to make it past the cut, but there might be a better possibility he hits the practice squad instead of a call-up to the 53-man roster. Jawhar Jordan is also injured at the moment, but feels more likely to be ready to go for the regular season as opposed to Brooks.

WR

Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) runs with the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(6): Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell, Lewis Bond, Justin Watson

Here's where the Texans' roster sees the biggest change since last week: now Jayden Higgins means Houston’s wide receiver room could turn out a little bit slimmer, and of course, not quite as strong as it looked to start training camp.

Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson are due for even bigger roles than they were before. Lewis Bond feels way more settled into a 53-man roster spot, and Justin Watson could be the last name to squeeze in. Jared Wayne, while a preseason standout, could be geared towards the practice squad, unless Houston wants seven wideouts..

TE

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans tight end Marlin Klein (83) catches a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(4): Dalton Schultz, Marlin Klein, Foster Moreau, Cade Stover

Brevin Jordan seems to have been dealing with an injury through the past couple of weeks, so there are no guarantees he'll be ready for Week 1. But even if he were, these four guys have seemingly set themselves apart as the top four names in the Texans tight end room.

The biggest surprise of anyone here? Second-round rookie Marlin Klein, who had the Texans' biggest play of the day offensively in Week 1 of the preseason, then proceeded to lead Houston in catches against the Raiders. There's a better and better chance he begins the year as TE2 on the depth chart.

OT

Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans tackle Blake Fisher (57) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(4): Aireontae Ersery, Braden Smith, Trent Brown, Blake Fisher

As to who starts at right tackle might still be a bit of a mystery. But based on Blake Fisher's recent performance in joint practice against the Raiders, there's a world where the 2024 second round pick might be getting looks for a 53-man roster spot to provide extra depth at a position that already has some question marks.

Especially with the health concerns that both Braden Smith and Trent Brown have dealt with throughout their careers, Fisher provides a little extra insurance at the position in the event either of them misses time.

IOL

Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans center Keylan Rutledge (66) prepares to snap the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(6): Keylan Rutledge, Evan Brown, Ed Ingram, Wyatt Teller, Jarrett Patterson, Febechi Nwaiwu

The combination of Keylan Rutledge and Evan Brown starting on the inside of Houston's offensive line has gained some traction since their second preseason game against the Raiders. Even if Brown doesn't start over Wyatt Teller, though, it feels pretty likely that both of them will make the 53-man roster.

Then, Houston will likely have to decide between Jarrett Patterson and Jake Andrews for that final spot. Considering the Texans just guaranteed more money on Patterson's contract for next season, that might be a sign there are plans in store for him this season.

DE

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) talks with defensive end coach Rod Wright on the sidelines as the Texans play against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(5): Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, Jadeveon Clowney, Logan Hall, Dominique Robinson

Houston could bring another edge rusher in here for extra depth behind their top three guys, but no one else within the Texans' current roster has stood out besides Dominique Robinson. He's one of three players on the roster to record a sack in two preseason games.

Thought that Dominique Robinson played well on Thursday and was definitely the best of the DEs.

He played well against the run, which is the main thing to watch for that DE4 spot where he is competing with Dylan Horton & Solomon Byrd. pic.twitter.com/P60cF4jgDa
— Jacob (@JacobBarzilla) August 15, 2026

Regardless, the Texans will be set to play Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, and Jadeveon Clowney a large share of the snaps off the edge. So adding another backup next to Robinson as a DE5, as Logan Hall could take more snaps on the interior, might not be the biggest need for Houston's Week 1 roster.

DT

Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (93) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(5): Sheldon Rankins, Tommy Togiai, Kayden McDonald, Mario Edwards, Naquan Jones

The majority of the reps in the Texans' defensive tackle room should be going to the top three names on the depth chart. Kayden McDonald might be third in the pecking order to start, though it certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see him rise to the top by the end of his rookie season.

But considering Houston went out of their way to re-sign veteran Mario Edwards to the roster in training camp, along with Naquan Jones' positive production in camp in the preseason, rostering both of them to expand into a five-man defensive tackle room isn't totally unreasonable.

LB

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz (30) celebrates his 80 yard interception for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(5): Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To'oTo'o, Wade Woodaz, Marte Mapu, Jake Hummel

When it comes to the Texans' LB3 battle, the leader in that race has clearly emerged to be fourth-round rookie Wade Woodaz. That was emphasized in Houston's preseason game against the Raiders when Woodaz ran back an interception on Fernando Mendoza for an 80-yard touchdown for their best defensive play of the game.

OPEN UP A CAN OF WOODAZZZZZZ 🤯

📺: @nflonespn pic.twitter.com/Ke0lrYupPs
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 21, 2026

Marte Mapu and Jake Hummel are both tenured veterans and proven special teams contributors that feel likely to get the call on the 53-man roster as well. The toughest cut in the room? Rookie linebacker Aiden Fisher, who might be better slated for a practice squad spot early in the season.

CB

Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Alijah Huzzie (28) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(5): Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith, Alijah Huzzie

The Texans' cornerback room, if constructed like this, can host a great combination of star power and depth that can compete with some of the better units around the league at the position––especially when an All-Pro like Derek Stingley sits atop the depth chart.

The one name here who's seen some of the most praise in training camp is Alijah Huzzie, who feels due to be the Texans' backup nickel corner and a special teamer. UDFA Collin Wright remains a name to watch as well, though his recent injury could cloud his status moving into the season.

S

Jul 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Jaylen Reed (23) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(5): Reed Blankenship, Calen Bullock, Jalen Pitre, Kamari Ramsey, Jaylen Reed

The top three of these safeties are locks and due for a big role. The other two guys in the room, Kamari Ramsey and Jaylen Reed, are both extremely appealing young pieces for the future, and can work into the defense in rotational roles and contribute on special teams throughout the 2026 campaign.

M.J. Stewart's status remains a mystery. He's been on PUP since the start of training camp, and based on the silence surrounding his status since his designation, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him remain on the PUP into the regular season.

ST

Jul 31, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans punter Kai Kroeger (38) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

(3): Ka'imi Fairbairn, Kai Kroeger, Austin Brinkman

Without another punter on the roster to compete with Kai Kroeger, we can only assume that he'll be the Texans' starting punter come Week 1, barring any last-minute changes.

Kroeger beat out UDFA signing Jack Stonehouse for the spot, who was cut before the first week of preseason earlier this month. Houston's brought in a couple of punters for a workout, but hasn't signed any since their previous cut.

IR/PUP

Jul 31, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

RB British Brooks, WR Jayden Higgins, TE Brevin Jordan, LB Jake Hansen, LB E.J. Speed, CB Collin Wright, S M.J. Stewart

A few players within this batch could see their status shift in the right direction within the days ahead, and potentially get on the field for a preseason game. Others, like Jayden Higgins and E.J. Speed, will be out for the season.

The one guy to keep an eye on here as someone that could soon be healthy and potentially gun for a roster spot: Brevin Jordan. He looked great in OTAs, started slow, and got injured in camp, but shouldn't be totally counted out as a candidate to make it past cutdown day.

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