Jordan Thomas and the tight ends kept the Texans in the game. Bob Levey/Getty Images
The Texans had a rough day with the Colts ending their win streak at nine games. One of the bright spots on the day was the play of the Texans tight ends. They combined for 11 catches and 151 yards in the loss.
Ryan Griffin had one of his better games catching the ball consistently being open and ending up with a handful of Watson passes. His fourth-quarter catch and run for 47 yards was one of the best plays all day. Griffin nearly scored but was stopped short of the goal line. The Texans challenged but didn't get it overturned into a score. Griffin had five catches for 80 yards.
Jordan Thomas continued to showcase his ability to get open and make plays in space. One of his catches was an absolute snag to keep a Texans drive alive. He had four catches for 31 yards.
Jordan Akins went to work early catching a couple of passes and netting 40 yards. He was a key part of the Texans scoring drive early in the game.
The Texans tight ends have always had a prominent role for Bill O'Brien's offense, even when they weren't getting the ball. O'Brien hasn't ever had this type of depth at the position though and he uses them all. Despite the loss, Griffin's reemergence is an important aspect for this offense down the stretch.
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One of the big factors that led to the Texans' loss to the Jaguars on Sunday was the secondary. Multiple flags for pass interference gave Jacksonville more opportunities to pick up first downs and score points.
Can confirm #Texans backup CB Shaq Griffin was cut.
Griffin started 6 games this year when Derek Stingley was out with a hamstring.
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) November 29, 2023
So it's no surprise that DeMeco Ryans is making some changes to his defense this week. According to several reports, Texans corner Shaq Griffin has been cut.
Nickel corner Tavierre Thomas was flagged for PI more than once on Sunday, and was burned badly by Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley for a touchdown.
DeMeco was asked after the game if he considered replacing Thomas with Desmond King or Shaq Griffin. Ryans didn't give a definitive answer, but it looks like we got one today.
One has to wonder if Desmond Kings' experience playing nickel was the reason for his promotion to the active roster and why Griffin was released. If Thomas continues to struggle, King looks like the next man up to replace him.
#Texans activate Denzel Perryman, promote Desmond King to active roster, release Shaq Griffin, sign Matt Ammendola and Garret Wallow to practice squad, released Gerrid Doaks from practice squad and placed Tytus Howard (knee-patellar tendon surgery pending) on injured reserve https://t.co/knyyoqo7yC
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 29, 2023
The Texans also made some other adjustments to their roster on Wednesday, per Aaron Wilson. Linebacker Denzel Perryman returns from suspension, kicker Matt Ammendola and linebacker Garret Wallow join the practice squad. They also released Gerrid Doaks from the practice squad.
The other big piece of news involves left guard Tytus Howard. He heads to injured reserve, ending his season after hurting his knee against Jacksonville.