Here is a first look at the Houston Texans' depth chart heading into their first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 7
Here is a first look at the Houston Texans' depth chart heading into their first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 7.
Note: This list is subject to change with players on the PUP list or NFI list. The list will certainly change after roster cutdown following the final preseason game on August 23.
Quarterback
Starter: C.J. Stroud
Reserves: Davis Mills, Graham Mertz*, Kedon Slovis
Analysis: There's no surprise here at any level. The Texans drafted Mertz with the intent of making him the new Case Keenum. So far, he's the favorite to land the No. 3 QB role.
Running Back
Starter: Nick Chubb
Second-team: Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale, Woody Marks*
Reserves: Jawhar Jordan, J.J. Taylor, British Brooks
Analysis: Brooks is more so a fullback, but since the team didn't post the position, he's listed as a running back. Joe Mixon, back at full health, will change the dynamic of the room, but for now, Pierce and Chubb will battle it out for first-team reps.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins*
Reserves: Jaylin Noel*, Xavier Hutchinson, Justin Watson, John Metchie, Braxton Berrios, Jared Wayne, Johnny Johnson III, Daniel Jackson*, Xavier Johnson
Analysis: Noel could eventually move up the list into the first-team unit should Higgins continue to struggle, but there's no real surprise. Metchie could be the odd man out if he doesn't impress in the preseason since he's WR7 on the chart.
Tight End
Starter: Dalton Schultz
Second-team: Cade Stover, Brevin Jordan
Reserves: Irv Smith Jr., Luke Lachey, Jakob Johnson (FB)
Analysis: Much like Brooks, Johnson is seeing his reps with tight ends because there's not a set position at fullback. Should he make the roster, he won't be seeing reps on Sunday in the same role as Schultz or Jordan. Keep an eye out on Stover this weekend to see if he firmly surpasses Schultz for the TE No. 1 job.
Offensive Line
Starters: Cam Robinson (LT), Laken Tomlinson (LG), Jarrett Patterson (OC), Tytus Howard (RG), Tay Ersery* (RT)
Reserves: Zac Thomas (LT), Juice Scruggs (LG), Jake Andrews (OC), Ed Ingram (RG), Blake Fisher (RT), Austin Deculus (LT), Ladarius Henderson (LG), Eli Cox (OC), Jaylon Thomas (RG)
Analysis: No real surprises on the offensive line, but the battle for center still is ablaze. Next week, Andrews might take over as the starting center, while depending on the severity of Robinson's injury, Ersery could shift over to left tackle for a week.
Starters: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter
Reserves: Darrell Taylor, Dylan Horton, Casey Toolhill, Solomon Byrd
Analysis: Derek Barnett's return should make this room interesting, but Taylor's promising training might make him the favorite as the No. 3 pass-rusher. Is Horton fighting for a job over Toolhill and Byrd? Barring Denico Autry's release, it seems like two of three will be gone by Week 1.
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr.
Reserves: Tim Settle, Tommy Togiai, Junior Tafuna, Haggai Ndubuisi, Marlon Davidson
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.
Linebackers
Starters: Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To'oTo'o
Reserves: Christian Harris, Jake Hansen, Nick Niemann, E.J. Speed, Jamal Hill, K.C. Ossai
Analysis: Even without practicing, Harris being listed over Speed and Hansen is a sign he's still viewed as a prominent member of the staff. Expect him to be the LB3 should he ever begin to practice, which could be as soon as Wednesday.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre (nickel)
Reserves: Jaylin Smith*, Myles Bryant, D'Angelo Ross, Tremon Smith, Damon Arnette, 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
Starters: Calen Bullock, C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Reserves: Jaylen Reed*, M.J. Stewart, Russell Yeast
Analysis: No surprises with the starters, though Reed's emergence at practice could mark the end for Jimmie Ward entering the preseason.
Specialists
Starters: Ka'imi Fairbairn (K), Austin Brinkman* (LS), Tommy Townsend (P)
Analysis: There's nothing to say here
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans release first depth chart of 2025 season
Category: Football
