We're already seeing some surprising roster cuts by Houston Texans
ROSTER BREAKDOWN
27 August 2024
DeMeco Ryans has some tough decisions to make. Composite Getty Image.
As the Houston Texans make some tough decisions to set their initial 53-man roster, we're already hearing reports about some big names that won't make the cut.
First and foremost is receiver Noah Brown. Brown signed a 1-year, $5 million contract with the team before the season. Which made many believe he would be safe to make the team.
But he had surgery to repair his labrum in the offseason and has yet to play this preseason for the team. He caught 33 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns for Houston last season.
KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson is reporting that the team is also releasing WR Ben Skowronek, nickel corner Desmond King, and WR Quintez Cephus.
Sources: #Texans releasing Noah Brown, Ben Skowronek, Desmond King, Quintez Cephus @KPRC2 https://t.co/gompKckjxf
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 27, 2024
Skowronek was thought to have a decent chance to make the team, since the Texans traded a 7th round pick for him. But it appears the Texans receiver group was tough to crack.
Unless we hear otherwise, it appears CJ Stroud will be throwing to Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson.
Often injured tight end Teagan Quitoriano has been let go as well, per Aaron Wilson.
Cornerback was a priority for the Texans in free agency. They added two former first round picks in Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson. It's now being reported that Henderson will not make the team.
#Texans releasing C.J. Henderson, Troy Pride Jr. Dieter Eiselen, Jacob Phillips, Pheldarius Payne (waived-injured), McTelvin Agim, Tyrique Barnes, per sources @KPRC2 https://t.co/gompKckjxf
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 27, 2024
Other names of note
Backup QB Tim Boyle will also be released. Case Keenum's season is over, he's been placed on IR (foot). The team will go with two QBs on the roster in CJ Stroud and Davis Mills.
Sources: #Texans get down to 53-player limit as Case Keenum (regular injured reserve, foot), Kurt Hinish (calf, short-term IR), Pheldarius Payne waived-injured (hamstring), Brandon Hill (IR, knee), Jawhar Jordan (waived-injured, oblique, injury settlement) @KPRC2…
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 27, 2024
The running back position was one of the big talking points this preseason. Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce, Cam Akers, Dare Ogunbowale, and British Brooks all made the team. Brooks will see time at fullback.
Here's an update on injured LB Christian Harris (calf).
To clarify because I saw some confusion, #Texans placed LB Christian Harris and DT Kurt Hinish on short term IR. Both can return after 4 weeks.
QB Case Keenum and S Brandon Hill are on season-ending IR. https://t.co/DNRcNasWfy
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 27, 2024
We'll keep updating throughout the day as more cuts are reported. For a more detailed breakdown of cut day, be sure to follow Aaron Wilson's work at Click2Houston.com.
Hunter Brown pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the slumping Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Friday night.
Brown (6-1) struck out nine, matching his season high for the fourth straight start. The right-hander also issued a season-high four walks in his fifth consecutive win.
Brown departed after Gavin Lux walked with two out in the sixth. Kaleb Ort got Spencer Steer to bounce into a forceout at second.
Josh Hader handled the ninth for his ninth save.
Cincinnati finished with four hits in its sixth loss in seven games.
Reds right-hander Nick Martinez (1-4) surrendered 10 hits and three runs in six innings. He struck out five and walked none.
Zach Dezenzo hit a two-out RBI single in the second, and the Astros added two more runs in the fifth.
Mauricio Dubón followed Brendan Rodgers’ leadoff double with a chopper past third baseman Santiago Espinal, moving Rodgers to third. Jeremy Peña drove in Rodgers with a groundout to second, and Isaac Paredes doubled home Dubón with two down.
Jose Altuve, Christian Walker, and Yainer Diaz each had two hits for the Astros.
Cincinnati's Austin Hays returned from the injured list after missing 10 games with a left hamstring strain. He went 1 for 4.
Reds outfielder Jake Fraley was scratched due to left calf tenderness after missing the last two games.
Key moment
Tyler Stephenson hit a one-out double for Cincinnati in the ninth. But Hader struck out Rece Hinds and Espinal, ending the game.
Key stat
It was Houston's first win against the Reds since June 19, 2016, ending a nine-game skid.
Up next
Lance McCullers Jr. (0-0 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season and first home start since October 3, 2022, against Reds right-hander Brady Singer (4-2 3.66 ERA) on Saturday night.
