Houston Texns 53-man roster projection after Week 3 of preseason

The Houston Texans closed out the preseason with a 26-7 victory on the road over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Saturday afternoon. Even without a majority of starters seeing action, the game had its moments that even the most negative fan would call promising.

But as Houston fly home, coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio have some difficult decisions to make. There are only 53 spots on the active roster and at least 60 players proved they belong on some team this upcoming season. Even with some players impressing in the preseason finale, that might not be enough to secure a spot on the active 53 ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

And while most battles appear to be settled, there are some spots that could be determined based on little differences, like special teams and age. Even after all that, Houston could cut another player because someone else fell through the cracks on the waiver wire.

Following Week 3's preseason win, here's the final 53-man roster projection for the Texans with a couple of surprises no one expected.

Quarterback

Projected Starter: C.J. Stroud

Reserves: Davis Mills, Graham Mertz*

Analysis: Stroud and Mills locked up their spots last week, but Mertz's performance on Saturday valuted him over Slovis. He proved to be a reliable option that rarely makes mistakes and has a bit of mobility to his game. Should the Texans let Mills walk next offseason, they have their QB No. 2 already lined up.

Slovis played well enough this preseason to warrant a spot elsewhere in the league. He's going to get picked up by someone.

Running Back

Projected Starter: Nick Chubb

Reserve: Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale, Woody Marks*

NFI list: Joe Mixon

Analysis: The Texans would love to keep British Brooks, but Jakob Johnson's performance as a true fullback probably nets him a roster spot for Nick Caley's offense. He's the type of running back you hate losing, but can afford to see leave because of the names ahead of him on the depth chart.

Ogunbowale and Marks offer more upside in the passing game, but the former could be a short-term option could just holding a place while Mixon starts the season on the NFI list.

Wide Receiver

Projected Starters: Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson

Reserves: Jaylin Noel*, Jayden Higgins*, Braxton Berrios,

Analysis: Berrios' upside as a returner gives him the nod over Justin Watson. He'll sign on to an active roster by Wednesday morning as a special teams option. As for Hutchinson, his summer was so promising that he'll be the Iowa State receiver we're talking about in the starting lineup for Week 1's showdown against the Rams.

Houston has to find a way to keep Cornell Powell on the practice squad. He did enough on Saturday to be the favorite to stick around outside the top six names.

Tight End

Projected starter: Dalton Schultz

Reserves: Cade Stover, Harrison Bryant, Jakob Johnson (FB)

Analysis: Smith didn't show enough on Saturday to catapult over Johnson as the team's potential H-back. He's a good backup option, but after trading for Bryant in the John Metchie deal, Houston might feel inclined to keep him around for at least a couple of games.

If anything, Luke Lachey being a young option with potential as a blocker should warrant a spot on the practice squad.

Offensive Line

Projected First-team: Tay Ersery (LT), Laken Tomlinson (LG), Jake Andrews(OC), Ed Ingram (RG), Tytus Howard (RT)

Reserves: Cam Robinson (OT), Juice Scruggs (LG), Jarrett Patterson (OC), Blake Fisher (RT), Austin Deculus (LT), Jaylon Thomas (O)

Analysis: No real surprises on the offensive line after Ersery moved over to left tackle. Robinson could be traded ahead of Week 1, but Houston would likely eat a majority of his $12 million contract. Patterson and Scruggs did enough to warrant a backup role and Thomas' flexibility to play both guard and tackle should be enough to keep him back over names like Austin Deculus.

Defensive End

Projected Starters: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter

Reserves: Darrell Taylor, Derek Barnett, Solomon Byrd

Analysis: Derek Barnett's return took away a roster spot and Byrd was more consistent over the final two weeks of camp. Horton or Toolhill should be the favorite to land on the practice squad.

Defensive Tackle

Projected Starters: Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr.

Reserves: Foley Fatukasi, Tim Settle, Tommy Togiai

Analysis: Settle might be listed as a second-team lineman, but he's going to see a bulk of first-team reps. It's a location, nothing more. Togiai picked up where he left off during last season and earned the last spot.

Linebackers

Projected Starters: Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To'oTo'o

Reserves: Christian Harris, Jake Hansen, E.J. Speed

Analysis: Hansen outworked both Jamal Hill and Nick Neimann as the special teams option. Even if Harris is listed on the second team but he's going see to action with the starters.

Cornerbacks

Starters: Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre (nickel)

Reserves: Jaylin Smith*, Myles Bryant, Tremon Smith, Arthur Maulet

Analysis: Smith would be starting for several teams in the nickel after an impressive training camp. Now, he's the first call should any one of the starters go down. Even though Smith looks to be on the outside in as a cornerback, he's making the roster because of his special team skills.

Safety

Projected Starters: Calen Bullock, C.J. Gardner-Johnson (potential IR candidate)

Reserves: Jalen Mills, M.J. Stewart

Injured reserve: (Jaylen Reed)

Analysis: No surprises with the starters, though Reed could begin the regular season on the injured reserve. Reed is probably starting off on the injured reserve, if not Gardner-Johnson, but both will be on the staff.

Specialists

Starters: Ka'imi Fairbairn (K), Austin Brinkman* (LS), Tommy Townsend (P)

Analysis: There's nothing to say here. Maybe Jon Weeks will come back?

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Final Houston Texans' 53-man roster projections