With the 2018 regular season upon the NFL, the Houston Texans have set their initial practice squad for the season. The first thing to remember is that the practice squad is an extension of the team’s current roster, which leads to a good possibility that some of these players will be playing this season.
Here is a look at the week one Houston Texans practice squad.
Texans Practice Squad for Week One
Chad Slade, Guard/Offensive Tackle
One of the few Texans who could have been on the 53-man roster, especially with his versatility to play both guard and tackle, Slade joined the Texans in 2015 as a rookie free agent from Auburn and appeared in 5 games in 2017. There has been continual improvement from Slade over the years
Kyle Fuller, Center/Guard
Drafted in the 7th round of the 2017 NFL draft, Fuller appeared in 9 games his rookie season. Able to play both guard and center, Fuller needs more time to develop as an offensive lineman.
Roderick Johnson via Cleveland, Offensive Tackle
A 5th round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Texans claimed Johnson off of waivers prior to the start of the season. The Texans opted to work him him at offensive tackle and did everything they could to get an extended look at him. Working at left tackle, Johnson might have a chance to help the team down the line.
Mike Tyson via Seattle, Defensive Back
A 6th round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2017 NFL out of Cincinnati, Tyson played safety for the Bearcats. He arrived to the NFL as a cornerback conversion but was waived prior to the start of the season. Signed at the end of the 2017 to the Seahawks active roster, Tyson never played a down. Despite being with the Seahawks the entire off-season through the preseason, Tyson opted for the Texans practice squad over other teams.
Preseason Stats: 10 total tackles, 1 quarterback hit
Davin Bellamy, Outside Linebacker
Davin Bellamy was a rookie free agent out of Georgia in 2018 who took some time to get going, but as the preseason progressed he put together some solid tape while playing the preseason for the Houston Texans. The outside linebacker group is deep but Bellamy has shown strength and power as a pass rusher and was too good of a player to pass up on.
Preseason Stats: 3 total tackles (1 on special teams), 2 passes defensed, 1 QB Hit, 1 interception
Andre Chachere, Cornerback
There were plenty who thought that the rookie cornerback from San Diego State had a chance to win a spot on the 53-man roster. Chachere joined his college teammate and draft pick, Jermaine Kelly, Jr., as a rookie free agent with the Texans. He showed that he can play on the outside and as a nickel cornerback when needed. Add in the fact that he is not afraid to mix it up in run support and Chachere shows that he has a good foundation for a cornerback who can make it in the NFL.
Preseason Stats: 15 total tackles (3 on special teams), 3 passes defensed
Darius Kilgo via Denver, Defensive Tackle
Drafted in the 6th round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Maryland by the Denver Broncos, Kilgo is entering his 3rd season in the NFL with Super Bowl rings from his stints with the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. Over the past two seasons, Kilgo has been on practice squads and he goes into the 2018 season with the same status on the Texans. A plugger against the run, Kilgo is the next run stopper behind D.J. Reader and Brandon Dunn.
Preseason Stats: 3 total tackles, 1 pass defensed
Matt Lengel, Tight End
Matt Lengel was claimed off of waivers from the Cleveland Browns in April and was primarily used as a blocking tight end during the preseason. Lengel has NFL experience and was signed by the New England Patriots in 2016 after Rob Gronkowski was lost for the season. Lengel was part of the Patriots Super Bowl team in 2016 when they defeated the Atlanta Falcons.
Preseason Stats: 4 receptions, 5 targets, 22 yards, 5.5 yards per catch
MyCole Pruitt, Tight End
A 5th round pick in 2015 by the Minnesota Vikings from Southern Illinois, MyCole Pruitt has spent time with the Vikings, Bears, and Bills. Pruitt was on the Texans practice squad in 2017 and even appeared in one game last season due to the injuries which piled up for the Texans. Pruitt had a solid preseason, especially catching the football.
Preseason Stats: 7 receptions, 7 targets, 63 yards, 9.0 yards per catch
Jester Weah, Wide Receiver
One of the better rookie free agent wide receiver groups the Texans have had in some time came through in the 2018 preseason and Jester Weah was a big reason why. A big possession receiver, Weah showed that he can play at the NFL level even though there were some real lows for Weah during camp and the preseason when it came to catching the football. Consistency is the key for Weah and the Texans want to keep him in the fold.
Preseason Stats: 4 receptions, 9 targets, 53 yards, 13.3 yards per catch