The Texans are signing defensive end Chris Smith to the 53-man roster, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
The Texans also plan to elevate defensive end Demone Harris from the practice squad following an outbreak of coronavirus cases across the defensive line and a spread across the roster.
The Texans have six defensive lineman that have already tested positive: Jon Greenard, Jacob Martin, Jaleel Johnson, Derek Rivers, Maliek Collins and DeMarcus Walker. Walker, who's on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, has been activated from the COVID-19 list.
Smith, 29, is a 6-foot-1, 266-pound former Jacksonville Jaguars fifth-round draft pick from Arkansas who has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders.
He had one sack Sunday against the Jaguars.
Smith had a career-high three sacks and 26 tackles in 2017 with the Bengals and 21 tackles.
He has 71 career tackles and 10 1/2 career sacks.
A former undrafted free agent from the University of Buffalo, Harris (6-foot-4, 272 pounds) was a Burlsworth Trophy nominee and second-team all-conference selection. A three-year starter, he had 55 tackles, five sacks and seven quarterback hurries as a senior.
He has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
He has four career tackles. Harris has run the 40-yard dash in 4.77 seconds.
The Texans signed defensive linemen Xavier Williams (6-foot-3, 309 pounds) and Ron'Dell Carter (6-foot-3, 269 pounds) on Tuesday to the active roster.
Williams worked out for the Texans previously. He had 22 tackles and one sack last season for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Carter is a former Dallas Cowboys undrafted free agent from James Madison University.
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