The Houston Texans have suffered a rash of injuries at key positions, and the trend will officially spell the end of rookie cornerback Jaylin Smith’s season early.
Smith was the No. 97 overall pick of the 2025 draft, an indication of how high the Texans are on his potential despite already having a talented secondary that features an All-Pro in Derek Stingley and a second-round selection (No. 42 overall in 2024) in Kamari Lassiter.
It is a significant blow on an active day for the Texans, and just one of several changes.
Texans Lose Rookie CB Jaylin Smith for Rest of Season, Cut Dalton Keene
GettyJaylin Smith #30 and Myles Bryant #27 of the Houston Texans tackle Brycen Tremayne #87 of the Carolina Panthers.
The Texans announced on November 5 that they “placed the following players on the Reserve/Injured list,” listing Smith and veteran defensive end Darrell Taylor. Smith ends his rookie season with 6 total tackles and 1 fumble recovery in four games.
Taylor, whom the Texans signed in free agency this past offseason, also appeared in four games, recording 3 total stops.
Notably, the Texans boast the NFL’s top defense with Smith and Taylor playing bit roles.
The Texans also announced they “released the following player from the practice squad,” naming tight end Dalton Keene. Keene was the No. 101 overall selection in the 2020 draft by the New England Patriots.
Keene appeared in seven games for the Texans this season, but only caught three passes for 16 yards. He has bounced between the Texans’ roster, practice squad, and free agency all year.
The Texans were not done shuffling their roster either.
Texans Announce Roster Additions
GettyMatthew Wright #41 of the Washington Commanders warms up before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Texans also announced a pair of additions to the roster, albeit in different capacities, signing kicker Matthew Wright to the practice squad and activating former undrafted free agent Alijah Huzzie from the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
Wright is a journeyman who provides insurance amid a leg injury for the Texans’ usual kicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn.
His efficiency has wavered throughout his career, as his journeyman status would suggest.
Still, it is a notable move for the Texans, who are clinging to hopes, sitting third in the AFC South, and fighting to remain in contention for a Wild Card spot. Their Week 10 showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars looms large in that regard.
Huzzie is in his first season with the Texans. Undrafted out of North Carolina this past spring, he essentially takes Smith’s spot for the Texans.
Texans Facing Critical Matchup
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos.
The Jaguars enter this contest 5-3 and in second place in the division, while the 3-5 Texans look to regain their footing, facing uncertainty with quarterback C.J. Stroud, who suffered a concussion in Week 9.
The Texans entered this season looking for their first three-peat as AFC South champions.
That dream is not beyond the realm of possibility, but they face an incredibly uphill climb to get back into the race.
Their push must begin in Week 10 against the Jaguars. This contest also offers the Texans a chance at redemption. The Jaguars defeated the Texans in Jacksonville in Week 3, their final loss in an 0-3 start.
Another loss could leave the Texans evaluating their situation for next season.
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