Texans Add Former Patriots Draft Pick to Roster Before Colts Matchup

Head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans are bracing to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, and they will have a new face on the active roster in Ameer Speed.

The Texans have the NFL’s No. 2 scoring defense and rank No. 1 overall on that side of the ball entering this contest. That is despite having to shuffle several players in and out of the lineup at nickelback and safety throughout the season.

Perhaps most encouraging for the Texans, Speed is one of two key reinforcements this week.

Texans Elevate Ameer Speed for Colts Game

GettyAmeer Speed #37 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Texans announced via the team’s official website that they “have elevated the following player from the practice squad,” naming Speed.

The Texans are Speed’s fifth team since he entered the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, selected No. 214 overall by the New England Patriots. Between the Patriots and joining the Texans, Speed spent time with the Colts, Chicago Bears, and Cleveland Browns.

He initially signed with the Texans’ practice squad on November 24.

That means Speed has had less than one week in the system and is potentially primed to face one of his former teams. Listed at 6-foot-3, Speed offers plus-size for the position.

“Speed lives up to his name with the wheels to turn and run with anyone downfield,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in April 2023. “He has impressive size and length but needs to put his long arms to better use in press and downfield. His route recognition and ball skills are both areas of concern.”

Ameer Speed Has ‘Rare Size/Speed Combination’

GettyAmeer Speed #9 of the Georgia Bulldogs leaves the field after the G-Day Spring Game.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted that Speed’s tape and production did not stand out. However, the draft analyst also noted that Speed possesses a “rare” combination of size and speed, and that his “potential to star on special teams” could be an avenue to a roster spot.

“Strengths: Rare size/speed combination… has exceptional make-up speed down the field… has long arms that should help him with press coverage at the line… Team-first attitude, embraces roles on special teams and is a plus performer,” Patriots.com’s Mike Dussault wrote of Speed after the Patriots drafted him.

“Weaknesses: Just three starts in five seasons at Georgia… Needs better route recognition skills… Zero career interceptions and five of six career passes defensed came in final season at Michigan State.”

Speed has played in 15 NFL regular-season games, but none since Week 17 in 2024.

He has recorded 9 total tackles, logging 241 snaps on special teams compared to 15 on defense, per Pro Football Reference.

Texans Announce Ajani Carter to Injured Reserve

GettyHouston Texans head Coach DeMeco Ryans looks on against the Minnesota Vikings/

The Texans did suffer another loss at the cornerback spot, which helped foster the need to bring Speed on. The Texans also announced they “placed the following player on the Reserve/Injured list,” naming rookie undrafted free agent Ajani Carter.

Carter, 25, has played in two games for the Texans this season.

He has not recorded a stat and saw all of his playing time (36 snaps) on special teams before landing on the IR.

Carter joins rookie third-round draft pick and fellow corner Jaylin Smith on IR. Meanwhile, the Texans have Speed’s former Patriots teammate, Myles Bryant, and former Kansas City Chiefs 2018 Super Bowl champ Tremon Smith behind starters Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter.

Alijah Huzzie, Damon Arnette, and K’Von Wallace are on the practice squad.

Jalen Pitre Returns as Colts Add Tyler Warren to Injury Report

GettyTyler Warren #84 of the Indianapolis Colts runs after a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Adding Speed will help the Texans’ depth. But Jalen Pitre, a safety by trade but also the Texans’ starting nickelback, is also back. Pitre missed the Texans’ last three games, like quarterback C.J. Stroud, due to a concussion suffered in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.

Both players cleared protocols, returning to practice in Week 12 and progressing to full sessions in Week 13. Notably, the Colts have added tight end Tyler Warren to the injury report.

“Injury report update for #HOUvsIND,” the Colts announced with a post on X on November 29. “TE Tyler Warren (Illness) has been added to the injury report and is questionable for Sunday’s game.”

The Colts also elevated defensive tackle Chris Wormley.

A Texans win in Week 13 would set the stage for Week 18, when these two teams will meet again, potentially with the division on the line.

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