Texans' Late-Season Signings Stepping Up For Playoff Push

The Houston Texans were able to receive contributions from several late-season acquisitions in victory over the Titans.

HOUSTON — Rookie duos Will Anderson Jr. and C.J. Stroud has received the bulk of the credit for leading the Houston Texans to a 26-3 victory over the Tennessee Titans Sunday afternoon. 

But at the NRG Stadium for a Week 17 contest, several players who were late-season additions had as big of an impact as the Texans' two franchise cornerstones.

"We've had to move a lot of things around due to injuries and things with our roster," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Just thankful to [General Manager] Nick [Caserio] and his staff for bringing in the right guys. It starts there. It all starts with the right guys, and then the players that these guys are stepping in and being able to catch up quickly."

Ryan Tannehill is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett (95) on a fourth down during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston :: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Defensive linemen Derek Barnett and Teair Tart were not a part of the Texans at the start of the 2023 season. Barnett opened training camp trying to re-establish himself as a vital rotational piece for the Philadelphia Eagles. Tart was gearing up to help the Titans make one last push toward playoff contention.

Five months later, both players contributed to Houston's successful defense after being claimed off waivers three weeks apart. The Texans held the Titans to 187 total yards while giving up 53 yards in rushing.

Barnett accounted for 1.5 of Houston's five sacks to go along with six tackles. Tart finished with two tackles against his former team but contributed to the most significant momentum swing of the game.

At the 10:02 mark of the second quarter, Tart's disruption on the defensive front helped create a sack-fumble by Jerry Hughes. Sheldon Rankins recovered the fumble with a defensive touchdown, which put the Texans ahead 17-0. 

The Texans needed Barnett and Tart due to Houston's weekend defensive front, that took the field without the services of Maliek Collins and Jonathan Greenard.

"Our [defensive] line, no matter who's been in, they produce and play well together," Ryans said. "When they play well together, that changes the entire scope of our defense. It all starts up front with our defensive line. When we play well, they play well. So, we just continue to lean on our defensive line. They're the driving force for our defense. When they're playing well, we have a really good chance to win games."

Texans To Face Colts On Saturday Night For AFC Playoff Berth

Defensive back Desmond King II was another late-season addition who left a major impact against the Titans. King led the Texans in tackles with eight while adding one pass deflection.

Unlike Barnett and Tart, King was with the Texans during training camp and preseason but was Houston's most surprising release during the NFL cutdown day in August. He signed to join the Pittsburgh Steelers following his release. But after three games, King's time with the Steelers ended quickly.

King believed his reunion with the Texans was a "fresh start" after his abrupt departure. Everyone in the locker room welcomed King back. And nearly a month after his return, King's contributions have Houston on the verge of its first postseason appearance since 2019.

Each late-season acquisition had to catch up quickly to Ryans' defensive scheme and teachings. But despite the X's and O's, Ryans said each addition have possessed the essential attributes of playing hard, relentless, and smart.

Notebook: Texans Duo 'Blessed' to Be Back vs. Titans

"We're happy to have them," Ryans said. "When it comes to [Derek] Barnett, Desmond [King II], [they] have stepped in and made plays for us. Adding Kareem [Jackson], adding [Adrian] Amos, adding ‘DHC’ [DeAndre Houston-Carson] when we didn't have him to start. 

"There's a lot of different guys who weren't here at the beginning of the year, but it just shows the resolve of our team that no matter who's in, guys are doing their absolute best and helping us to win games."