NRG Training Camp: 2026 Texans Roster Updates

The second edition of the roster‑prediction series is live. While the overall lineup looks largely familiar, the dynamics around NRG are shifting as the World Cup winds down and camp approaches. This “bracketology‑style” update will roll out every other Tuesday until the final 53‑man roster is announced on Sunday, August 30.

Last Four Players Holding Their Spots

• Jake Hummel (LB) – anchored the lineback corps and faces no obvious competition.
• British Brooks (RB/FB) – retains his niche role and remains secure on the depth chart.
• Jake Andrews (OC) – holds his offensive line berth despite limited challengers.
• Alijah Huzzie (DB) – keeps his defensive back spot after navigating the early‑season shuffle.

These four are considered the “last four in” because their positions lack deeper competition and their skill sets are deemed essential by the coaching staff.

First Four Players Projected Out

• Justin Watson (WR) – limited playing time in 2025 and unlikely to earn a roster spot this summer.
• Evan Brown (OG/OT) – battled for a starting job and now sits just outside the 53‑man cutoff.
• Cade Stover (TE) – faces stiff competition and is expected to miss the initial roster.
• Jamal Hill (LB) – a veteran who has been displaced by newer options and will likely be cut.

The “first four out” reflect both performance metrics and the presence of younger players eager to claim those roles.

Biggest Movers: Riser and Fall

Lewis Bond (WR) headlines the roster as the biggest riser. The sixth‑round pick dazzled at rookie minicamp and OTAs with a reputation for crisp route running, turning the question from “can he make the squad?” to “how will the Texans accommodate veteran Justin Watson?” Bond joins a group of recent sixth‑round acquisitions—Jawhar Jordan, Jarrett Patterson, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jamal Hill—that have all survived cuts.

Marlin Klein (TE) anchors the other side of the extremes. The Michigan product is the first rookie in nine years to be labeled the biggest faller, struggling with a lingering hamstring and intense tight‑end competition. Media and fan sentiment have turned sour, giving Klein an uphill climb to prove he belongs on the NFL level.

Position‑by‑Position Overview

Quarterbacks

• C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills remain the only signal‑callers slated for the roster.
• Graham Mertz is expected to land on the practice squad, giving him a chance to develop away from the active roster.

The Texans plan to keep two quarterbacks, using Mertz as an emergency option while monitoring Mills’ contract situation heading into his final year.

Running Backs

• David Montgomery, Woody Marks, British Brooks, and rookie Jawhar Jordan comprise the backfield.
• Bench options include Noah Whittington, Josh Pitsenberger, and Evan Hull, all expected to be cut.

Depth at the position could be sacrificed if the offense leans heavier on tight ends, potentially putting Brooks at risk.

Wide Receivers

• Core group: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, and rookie Lewis Bond.
• Targeted for cuts: Justin Watson, Jared Wayne, Daniel Sobkowics, Jalen Walthall, Treyvhon Saunders, and Jha’Quan Jackson.

The staff values Watson’s blocking despite his limited production, but many believe Jared Wayne offers more immediate depth.

Tight Ends

• Dalton Schultz, rookie Marlin Klein, Foster Moreau, and Brevin Jordan make up the four tight ends.
• Cuts: Cade Stover, Layne Pryor, and UDFA Louis Hansen.

Schultz praises Moreau’s energy, noting the veteran adds “juice” to the offensive mix. Jordan’s ceiling outweighs Stover’s early‑season showings, though both are healthy and ready to compete.

Offensive Linemen

• starters and backups include Aireontae Ersery, Braden Smith, Trent Brown, Wyatt Teller, Evan Brown, Blake Fisher, rookie Keylan Rutledge, rookie Febechi Nwaiwu, and Ed Ingram.
• Targeted for roster cuts: Jake Andrews, Jarrett Patterson, Eli Cox, Jarrett Kingston, and UDFAs Sam Hagen, James Neal III, and Derrick Graham.

Evan Brown edges out Andrews for the final spot, though his inclusion hinges on secondary roles such as a third quarterback or extra lineman.

Defensive Ends

• Core personnel: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Dylan Horton, and Dominique Robinson.
• Potential cuts: Solomon Byrd, Ali Gaye, and UDFA Sabastian Harsh.

The front office is eager to bring back a proven pass rusher like Derek Barnett to bolster depth behind Anderson Jr. and Hunter.

Defensive Tackles

• Roster includes Tommy Togiai, Sheldon Rankins, rookie Kayden McDonald, Logan Hall, and Naquan Jones.
• Contenders for the final spot: UDFA Junior Tafuna and seventh‑round pick Kyonte Hamilton.

Logan Hall and Naquan Jones are trusted to fill gaps left by veterans such as Denico Autry and Tim Settle Jr.

Linebackers

• Starters and backups: Henry To’oTo’o, Azeez Al‑Shaair, rookie Wade Woodaz, Jake Hansen, and Jake Hummel.
• Injury‑related moves: E.J. Speed placed on IR; cuts expected for Jamal Hill, Marte Mapu, rookie Aiden Fisher, and K.C. Ossai.

The Texans value the continuity of Jake Hansen after losing Speed, while special‑teams contributor Hummel remains a defensive asset.

Cornerbacks

• Starting quartet: Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith, and Alijah Huzzie.
• Cuts: Ja’Marcus Ingram, Brandon Codrington, and UDFAs Stephen Hall and Collin Wright.

Huzzie’s slot‑coverage versatility keeps him on the roster, while Collin Wright offers a potential depth option after a solid college career.

Safeties

• Core group: Reed Blankenship, Calen Bullock, Jalen Pitre, rookie Kamari Ramsey, M.J. Stewart, and Jaylen Reed.
• Cut: Kevon Merriweather.

Stewart’s health concerns persist, but his adaptability makes him a valuable situational defender. Ramsey, a versatile sophomore, is viewed as a depth piece who can fill nickel or safety roles.

The Texans’ roster picture will sharpen over the coming weeks as training camp unfolds, injuries resolve, and the final 53‑man cutdown draws near. Keep watching the series for fresh insights as the team shapes up for the 2026 season.