The Battle Red Blog writers answered who they thought earned a roster spot this preseason
Tomorrow, the Houston Texans take on the Detroit Lions in their third and final preseason game ahead of the 2025 season. Through two games, the Texans have had plenty to be happy with from their offensive line and backups considering most other starters have sat. Along with getting healthy, the Texans have emphasized getting their rookies up to speed along with finding solutions at several key depth positions. Allthewhile, several players have stood out from the 90 players on the roster and that led me to ask this week’s Battle Red Blog Groupthink:
Through two preseason games, who has EARNED a roster spot? Someone who was on the outside looking in that now should make the team.
Okay, I’ve been ragging on the guy, but with the Metchie trade, I think Xavier Hutchinson is getting that spot. He seems to have done more in camp than the other marginal roster guys. I have no idea what happens with the sixth wide receiver spot, but I think he’s one of the six guys.
This is a tough call, especially as much of the roster was likely set before camp started. I don’t know if he was just brought in to be a camp arm, but Kedon Slovis appears set to take that QB3 slot. Mertz may not be fully healed from his torn ACL, and given that he’s been the last QB on the field the past two games seems to indicate where he stands in the food chain. Slovis, well, you would never build a franchise around him, but if it is between him and Mertz, Slovis would be a more effective QB3 right now.
Y’know, this was kind of difficult…there were enough solid performances from fringe players, that I have no idea what direction the front office will go with their cuts.
On offense, if there was any possibility that C/G Jake Andrews or C/G Juice Scruggs would be cut, there certainly isn’t one now. Both excelled in limited preseason action, so at least one of these linemen will be a starter. If there somehow ends up being room for more at this position group, I wouldn’t mind keeping either G Jaylon Thomas or T Zach Thomas as another warm body. There’s no way they’ll keep the same starting five all season long, so another center or tackle may come in handy in a pinch. Houston’s brass may be more motivated to keep Ts LaDarius Henderson and Austin Deculus because of their experience in the building, but I’d prefer another interior lineman.
Besides the line, I think QB Kedon Slovis balled out enough in both stints to warrant a roster spot if Houston decides to go with three quarterbacks. If not, I’d hope he’d be able to stick to the practice squad as Houston’s embryo-stage Davis Mills replacement.
Likewise, I’m not ready to give up on WR Xavier Hutchison as a solid backup to Nico Collins, either. On defense, I’ve been impressed by LB Jamal Hill, LB K.C Ossai, and DL Tommy Togiai. Hill went from a raw athlete with little linebacker experience in 2024 to a natural at the position this year, while Ossai has looked solid in his limited action. Togiai wasn’t great against Minnesota but was an impact player against the Panthers, so I would be happy to keep him on the roster if the space is available.
I think they practice squad both the third and fourth quarterback or one will have a wink wink season ending injury so they can keep both around.
To answer my own question, I think Braxton Berrios has moved furthest up the roster since the start of training camp. He was the presumed WR8 on the roster and now feels more like WR4. The Texans utilized him in short-area passing plays and on the sidelines. He’ll also be the team’s primary punt returner
Another name is E.J. Speed. Speed entered a crowded linebacker room and has stood out. He’s been the most dynamic player on defense thus far and fully surpassed stalwart Jake Hansen… not to mention Jamal Hill and Nick Neimann.
I’ve been happy with Sheldon Rankins progress. Last season was tumultuous for Rankins; he battled both meningitis and shingles during the season. He lost a considerable amount of weight along with his job with the Bengals. Seeing him start and contribute immediately adds tons of confidence to an all-important defensive interior.
Last player I want to highlight is rookie RB Woody Marks. While his situation improved drastically when Joe Mixon left with an injury, he’s carved out a role for himself in the offense. We haven’t even seen the Texans utilize him in the pass game, which is his best trait. I predict Houston is holding that back, but if they’re using him ahead of Jawhar Jordan, Dare Ogumbowale, and possibly Dameon Pierce, he’s earned a roster spot in an uber-crowded room.
Category: General Sports
