'Prove Yourself!' Texans Reveal Views on 53-Man Roster 'Concerns'

Cutdown day will always be an inevitable nerve-racking moment for a handful of players hoping to make the Houston Texans' 53-man roster.

HOUSTON — Jordan Murray sat alone at his locker studying film following practice Thursday afternoon. His top objective was to prepare his mind for the Houston Texans' final exhibition game against the New Orleans Saints, where he hoped to help the team finish the preseason on a good note.

But as Murray focused on the present, the rookie tight end from the University of Hawaii could not help but feel nervous about his future. The NFL cutdown day is Aug. 29. And as an undrafted rookie who signed with the Texans in May, cutdown day was always an inevitable concern.

"It's like I always say, 'Just do your part to prove why you should be here,'" Murray said. "You have to give them a reason to keep you. That has been my mindset and focus every day. Showing up to work every day and showing why you should be here."

Tuesday will mark Murray's first time living through the dreadful day. But this will not be the case for teammates Grayland Arnold Jr., Jalen Camp and Cobi Francis.

A week before the start of the 2022 campaign, all three players received a phone call from general manager Nick Caserio and former coach Lovie Smith, who shared the news that neither made the initial roster cut.

The grievous call wasn't new to Arnold. Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles, the four-year defensive back from Baylor never made the initial 53-man roster. His first experience came in 2020.

Arnold said making the 53-man roster right off the back would have been great, but every snub has added to his motivation.

"Each time I did not make the 53-man roster, there were things in my game I needed to work on," Arnold said. "At the end of the day, I know I have to keep working and fighting if I did not make the 53-man roster. I just have to take my game to the next level. 

"From Day 1 of training camp, my goal is to do my best and whatever is asked of me at a high level, so I can give myself a chance to make the 53. But for me, it has always been about competing. And I am cool with that." 

Arnold, Camp and Francis believe each ordeal has set them up for a greater chance to make the team this year. But not making the initial roster isn't a fatal blow.

The Wednesday after cutdown day has always been important. Teams will have the opportunity to explore the open market to enhance their roster. And nearly every player signed will find their way on the practice squad. 

Arnold, Camp and Francis each began the 2022 campaign on the Texans' practice squad. But throughout the season, each player had a chance to contribute on game days. 

Starting the season on the practice squad isn't ideal. But veteran defensive lineman Jerry Hughes has always used the unpleasant moment to show teammates that the journey of their respective careers doesn't end on cutdown day.

"You have to constantly remind them that every time we step onto the field, we are auditioning for 31 other teams," Hughes said. "I consistently tell them that our resume is what we put on film. People will always come calling and looking. You just have to have an open mind and a clear head."  

Cutdown day will be a new venture for Murray. But he will not be alone as a newbie due to coach DeMeco Ryans. Instead of providing suggestions as a defensive coordinator in San Francisco, Ryans will be at the forefront of orchestrating the Texans' 53 in 2023.

Ryans, who described the day as "touchy," said telling a player his dream is over in Houston will be hard. But the challenge doesn't come from the relationship. The most significant issue comes from the impact not making the final roster cut has on a player's livelihood.

The most complex situations will be departing from players who may not have had a fair chance to showcase their talents due to injuries.

"Injuries set guys back — it limits the amount of reps they’re able to get,' Ryans said. "It limits them from showing their true talent and what they could do, so injuries hurt a lot of guys during this process, so hopefully guys can bounce back and put good film out there. 

"I always tell our guys, ‘It’s not about just making our team.’ We want our guys able to make the NFL and that’s what it’s about – staying healthy, being available so you can showcase your talents not only to us here but also to the other 31 teams."

The tight end unit has been one of the primary position groups rocked by the injury bug. Although it's not ideal, Murray believes he has taken advantage of the opportunity. 

But regardless of the news Murray will receive from Caserio and Ryans, the goal is to continue improving. Enhancing his respective game is the same lesson that has kept Arnold, Camp and Francis driven following the dismay of cutdown day. 

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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