The Houston Texans turned to a pair of familiar faces ahead of the regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, reuniting with Ameer Speed and Solomon Byrd.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans made it clear that the Texans’ starters will play in Week 18.
However, the latest news from the Colts suggests a fast start for the Texans, after which the Ryans will face critical decisions about whether and when to pull some of their top players, resting them for the playoffs, and potentially creating opportunities for players like Byrd and Speed.
Texans Bring Back Solomon Byrd
GettySolomon Byrd #50 of the Houston Texans looks to make a play against the Carolina Panthers.
The Texans drafted Byrd, taking him with the 238th overall pick in 2024. Houston parted ways with Byrd just ahead of their Week 17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 30 that Byrd had re-signed with the Texans.
Byrd, who turned 26 on December 1, has played in one regular-season game during his career. That was in Week 18 of the 2024 season. Despite not making much of an impact yet, Byrd comes with an intriguingly versatile, albeit unrefined, skill set.
“Solomon Byrd is a well-framed athlete whose motor is apparent on tape. Explosive off the snap but currently lacks the twitch and bend to threaten offensive tackles with consistency,” The Draft Network wrote in March 2024. “As a run defender, Byrd is a slasher who can quickly cross the face of the opponent to reach the backfield. Also does a nice job of shedding blocks with excellent eyes to disengage as ball-carriers arrive in his gap.
“Overall, Byrd is a late-round prospect with tools to refine as he evolves as an athlete. His current role could be limited to a ‘DPR’ early in his career, but he has the chance to progress into a core rotational piece due to a nuanced rush plan and the blend of length and evident explosiveness, along with his ability in the run game and knack for creating turnovers.”
The Texans boast the No. 1 defense in scoring and yards. Their pass rush, led by Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., is a key reason why.
Still, the banged-up Texans would do well to garner reps for the depth options on the roster.
Texans Announce Ameer Speed’s Return
GettyAmeer Speed #37 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Texans announced via their official website on December 30 that they had “signed the following player to the practice squad,” naming Speed. News of the move first spread on Monday. Speed has played in two games this season, logging 2 total tackles on special teams.
Speed, who has played for the Colts, posted God is good [heart emoji] on Instagram after his debut for the Texans against his former team in Week 13.
He also drew strong praise from Texans special teams coach Frank Ross after his arrival.
“He showed up very in tune, very ready to go. 6[-foot-]3. 4.4, 4.3 [40-yard-dash] guy. Love that. And has experience at the [gunner] position, and he was able to come in and assimilate to our room right away,” Ross told reporters on December 4.
“Go be aggressive. Make the returner check his feet. Entry angle, figure that out a little bit better to be a little bit more outside in. But … me and you ain’t getting an opportunity for the shot tackle. Ameer Speed is, and I’m glad he does. So, it’s a skill set that only a few people have, run-and-hit. Happy and lucky to have him here on short notice.”
The No. 214 overall pick in 2023 by the New England Patriots, Speed happens to play what is typically a deep position for the Texans.
Given the myriad injuries their roster is battling, the Texans are wise to keep their options open.
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