The Houston Texans were quick to add another playmaker to their 53-man roster after seeing what he could do when it mattered, and Jawhar Jordan certainly put on a show.
Jordan is one of the Texans’ own, selected by Houston with the No. 205 overall pick of the 2024 draft. However, he toiled away on the Texans’ practice squad since then, as Houston reshaped its backfield ahead of him.
That is, until Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Jawhar Jordan Signs to Texans’ Active Roster
GettyJawhar Jordan #26 of the Houston Texans carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Texans announced they “signed the following player to the active roster,” via their website on December 16.
Jordan came off the bench in relief of Woody Marks (ankle) for the Texans against the Cardinals, finishing with 101 yards on 15 carries. It was the first 100-yard game for a Texans running back this season.
The Texans called Jordan up from their practice squad just one day before his debut.
Houston could have elevated Jordan three more times, per league rules. Rather than risk another team poaching him off their practice squad, the Texans were proactive.
“It’s a credit to him. You have to be ready at any given moment, any given time, and Jawhar was ready for his moment. What I saw from the film, he went out, he played fast, he played decisive, he wasn’t hesitant,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on “All Access” on December 16.
“He did a great job protecting the football. And Jawhar’s known that he had speed. He was slashing, making some plays. But I like some of the physical runs he had, where he was, man, he was going through contact, securing the football. And he was kind of like ping pong, bouncing off a couple defenders, making guys miss in space.”
It sounds like opportunities are coming Jordan’s way in the Texans’ offense.
“I really like what he added to our offensive threat, just having that dynamic speed, having the ability to cut, set up blocks. It was really cool to watch him.”
DeMeco Ryans Reveals Advice for Jawhar Jordan
GettyJawhar Jordan #22 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ryans was candid about his messaging to Jordan before they handed the second-year pro the reins as they took precaution with Marks.
The main thing I told him all week was, make sure you’re protecting the ball. Because a lot of times, as a running back, you haven’t been hit. You’ve been on the practice squad, we’re not physical, we’re not tackling guys in practice. So, how are you going to handle that first contact that you get?” Ryans said.
“I reminded him that, ‘Hey, Jawhar. Make sure you understand, that ball is not only your livelihood, but it’s this entire organization’s livelihood. So, every time you’re carrying that ball, make sure you’re aware of that.”
Ryans also noted how players should look at Texans icon Arian Foster for inspiration.
Texans Fill Practice Squad Void With Former Draft Pick
GettyBrandon Hill #36 looks on during the first day of Houston Texans Rookie Minicamp.
The Texans also announced that they “signed the following player to the practice squad,” naming Brandon Hill. Hill is a safety and third-year pro. He was also a draft pick of the Texans, selected 248th overall in 2023.
Hill appeared in two games as a rookie, but he has not seen the field in a game since the 2024 preseason.
He spent 2024 on injured reserve, and the Texans released him in March.
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