The Houston Texans had one final roster decision to make before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16. Specifically, the Texans added cornerback Alijah Huzzie.
Huzzie is someone the Texans are familiar with.
An undrafted free agent out of North Carolina, he first signed with the Texans after the 2025 draft. He has bounced around between the practice squad after coming off the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list in November.
Alijah Huzzie Gets Call-Up for Raiders-Texans
GettyAlijah Huzzie #28 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts against the Charlotte 49ers.
The Texans announced via their team website on December 20 that they “elevated the following players via standard practice squad elevation,” naming Huzzie.
Huzzie, who turns 25 in January, has yet to see the field during the regular season.
That is despite all of his movement up and down (and on and off) the roster. He also did not get any playing time during the preseason due to injury. His appeal is based on projecting how his college game will translate to the pro level.
“Overall, Huzzie is a playmaker at the nickel spot whose comfortability in man coverage and special teams versatility showcase a well-rounded prospect,” The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler wrote in January. While undersized, Huzzie is a high-level football player who can impact the game in a variety of ways—he has experience as a return man, a trait that will elevate his profile as a multi-phase contributor.”
Predraft evaluations of Huzzie were fairly consistent in that he had potential, but might be capped as a backup.
Health was also a concern, but he is healthy entering this contest.
“Huzzie could make the transition to the inside, as he lined up over the slot during the 2023 campaign, his first season at North Carolina. But he will need to be more consistent against the run and as a tackler to survive there in the NFL. His short-area quickness could also use some work,” Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft Scouting department wrote in January.
“The former Tar Heel projects as a backup and will have a chance to earn a roster spot early in his NFL career.”
Texans Make Final Call on IR Duo
GettyDarrell Taylor #52 and E.J. Speed #45 of the Houston Texans celebrate a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In addition to Huzzie, the Texans appeared to be on track to get defensive end Darrell Taylor and wide receiver Justin Watson back from injured reserve this week.
That is, until they weren’t.
“Houston #Texans Injury Report Update for Week 16 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders,” the team posted on X on December 20. “DE Darrell Taylor (ankle) and WR Justin Watson (calf) were not activated off the Reserve/Injured list and have been ruled out for Sunday’s game.”
KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson first broke the news that Taylor was trending in the right direction. Wilson provided an update after the Texans made their final decision.
“Both receiver Justin Watson and defensive end Darrell Taylor are healthy, but weren’t activated by #Texans from injured reserve after being designated for return,” Wilson noted on December 20. “This is first week for Taylor in 21-day window. This is second week for Watson of practicing.”
Several Players Questionable for Raiders Game
GettyAzeez Al-Shaair #0 of the Houston Texans celebrates against the Buffalo Bills.
The Texans are not totally clear about who they will have against the Raiders. They listed a slew of players as questionable for the contest.
“#Texans expect currently and have throughout week that Nick Chubb will return from rib injury, per sources, along with Christian Kirk (illness),” Wilson reported in another post on December 20. “Game-time decision for Azeez Al-Shaair (knee, ankle) trending to play, barring setback. Derek Stingley Jr. (oblique), Woody Marks (ankle) both plan to play, final status being determined Sunday.”
All of those players are key for the Texans beyond this week against the Raiders.
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