Texans Final 53-Man Roster Projection: Surprise Cut, New Lead RB?

The Texans have a new lead running back, but say goodbye to a former top-40 selection.

HOUSTON - - Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith doesn’t look at the roster as a 53-man group. He views it as a team of 70.

“We're going to have 16 practice-squad players, one international player, so we're going to have a 70-man roster,” Smith said Thursday following the Texans' 17-0 win over the San Francisco 49ers. “We're going to try to do whatever we can to keep as many of the players that we like as possible.”

As the Texans transition to regular-season mode, Smith will need to trim the roster. Some players — like second-year quarterback Davis Mills and go-to receiver Brandin Cooks – aren’t going anywhere.

Other names, such as third-year defensive tackle Ross Blacklock and veteran offensive lineman Max Scharping, are far from safe from being shown the door.

If the franchise doesn’t see one as part of its future, it’s best to pull the plug now.

Here’s TexansDaily.com’s final 53-man roster projection:

QUARTERBACK (2): Davis Mills, Kyle Allen

No change here. Mills has earned the right to start after last season, but he’ll need to be more consistent if he wants to remain the starter in 2023.

RUNNING BACK (4): Dameon Pierce (R) Marlon Mack, Rex Burkhead, Dare Ogunbowale

The same four running backs we projected at the start of the season remain. The difference? Pierce should be the clear-cut No. 1. In 11 carries this preseason, the fourth-round rookie averaged 7.8 yards per attempt and picked up six first downs.

FULLBACK (1): Troy Hairston (R)

Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has put an emphasis on utilizing the fullback position this preseason. Hairston has been the most versatile player of the bunch and offers special-teams value.

WIDE RECEIVER (6): Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Chris Conley, Chris Moore, Phillip Dorsett, Jalen Camp

The loss of Metchie due to his battle with leukemia opened the door for a young receiver to make the cut. Camp’s size, speed and consistency in practice gives him the edge over prospects like Drew Estrada, Johnny Johnson III and Connor Wedington. Expect general manager Nick Caserio to do everything in his power to keep Johnson on the practice squad.

TIGHT END (3): Brevin Jordan, Pharaoh Brown, Teagan Quitoriano (R)

The Texans would like to keep four on the active roster, but only three make the cut entering Week 1. Houston potentially could place Antony Auclair (foot) on the IR to start the year and give Quitoriano a chance to become the team’s blocking tight end. Jordan and Brown are both locks due to their roles in Hamilton’s offense.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, Kenyon Green (R), A.J. Cann, Justin Britt, Cedric Ogbuehi, Justin McCray, Scott Quessenberry, Austin Deculus (R)

This was pretty simple. Barring a trade, Tunsil is starting at left tackle in Week 1 against the Colts. Howard is set on the right side and Green will eventually work his way into the starting lineup. Both Quessenberry and McCray are versatile enough to play all three interior positions.

As for Deculus, his youth and success on the right side of the offensive line gives him the edge over Heck. Smith would like to see the sixth-round rookie play left tackle as well, so expect 2022 to be a developmental year for the LSU product.

DEFENSIVE LINE (10): Jonathan Greenard, Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, Rasheem Green, Demone Harris, Maliek Collins, Roy Lopez, Thomas Booker IV (R), Kurt Hinish (R)

Smith believes Greenard is in for a breakout season after tallying eight sacks in 12 games last year. The additions of Hughes and Addison provide veteran leadership and stability off the edge. Harris edges out Derek Rivers for the final spot..

Hinish was the biggest surprise of training camp and could end up being a future starter. The undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame added three pressures and two sacks in the preseason and was consistent in stopping the run. Lopez has looked better as a run-stopper and likely solidifies his role inside.

LINEBACKER (6): Christian Kirksey, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Kevin Pierre-Louis, Christian Harris (R), Garret Wallow, Blake Cashman

If Wallow or Harris were fully healthy, there’s a scenario where Pierre-Louis would be on the trade block. For now, he’s likely starting at the SAM linebacker. Cashman is a special-teams ace who also offers value as a backup middle linebacker.

CORNERBACK (5): Derek Stingley Jr.(R), Steven Nelson, Desmond King, Tremon Smith, Isaac Yiadom

Tavierre Thomas will likely be moved to the IR for the start of the season due to a quad injury. Stingley has the most potential, but Nelson’s veteran presence might make him the top corner in Week 1. King, Smith and Yiadom all offer value on special teams.

SAFETY (4): Jalen Pitre (R), Jonathan Owens, Terrance Brooks, M.J. Stewart

Pitre is the Texans’ top rookie entering the season. He’s a do-it-all playmaker with a style similar to that of New Orleans Pro Bowler Tyrann Mathieu or Arizona Cardinals star Budda Baker. Owens was a favorite of Smith's last season, and he’s earned the right to start at free safety. Expect Grayland Arnold to be kept on the practice squad.

SPECIALISTS (3): Kicker - Ka'imi Fairbairn, Punter - Cam Johnston, Long Snapper - Jon Weeks

Nothing changes. Week 1 can’t get here soon enough. 

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