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The Houston Texans have updated their 53-man roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Tight end Brevin Jordan and defensive end Dominique Robinson returned after being released during final cuts.
Houston created space by placing offensive tackles Braden Smith and Sam Hagen on injured reserve. The moves changed the roster announced following the preseason.
Updated Houston Texans 53-Man Roster
The Houston Texans 53-man roster now includes five tight ends and 10 offensive linemen.
Quarterbacks (2): C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills
Running backs (3): David Montgomery, Woody Marks, British Brooks
Wide receivers (5): Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel, Jared Wayne
Tight ends (5): Dalton Schultz, Foster Moreau, Brevin Jordan, Marlin Klein, Cade Stover
Offensive linemen (10): Aireontae Ersery, Trent Brown, Blake Fisher, Nathan Thomas, Keylan Rutledge, Ed Ingram, Wyatt Teller, Febechi Nwaiwu, Evan Brown, Jake Andrews
Defensive linemen (10): Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Jadeveon Clowney, Dominique Robinson, Sabastian Harsh, Sheldon Rankins, Tommy Togiai, Kayden McDonald, Mario Edwards Jr., Logan Hall
Linebackers (6): Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, Jake Hansen, Wade Woodaz, Aiden Fisher, Jake Hummel
Defensive backs (9): Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith, Collin Wright, Jalen Pitre, Reed Blankenship, Calen Bullock, Kamari Ramsey
Specialists (3): Ka’imi Fairbairn, Kai Kroeger, Austin Brinkman
Brevin Jordan Returns After Procedural Release
Jordan was among the veterans Houston released while reducing its roster to the NFL’s 53-player limit. His departure proved temporary.
General manager Nick Caserio announced Tuesday that Jordan would return to the active roster. Robinson also re-signed after receiving a similar release.
Jordan gives Houston another experienced option behind Schultz. He has been with the Texans since the team selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The 26-year-old has contributed as a receiver and blocker during his Houston career. His return gives the offense flexibility when using multiple tight ends.
Robinson adds depth to a defensive front led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. The former Chicago Bears draft pick signed with Houston during the offseason.
Braden Smith and Sam Hagen Move to Injured Reserve
Braden Smith suffered a foot injury during a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers. The veteran tackle will miss at least four regular-season games after moving to injured reserve.
Hagen, an undrafted rookie, also moved to injured reserve. He initially earned a place on the 53-man roster after playing multiple offensive line positions during camp.
Their departures created the two openings used for Jordan and Robinson. Caserio confirmed the moves during his Tuesday news conference.
Houston acquired tackle Nathan Thomas from the Dallas Cowboys before the cut deadline. That trade now carries added importance with Smith unavailable.
The Texans also traded offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson to the San Francisco 49ers. Houston did not add a player during the first round of waiver claims.
Tank Dell Remains Designated to Return
Wide receiver Tank Dell and defensive back Ja’Marcus Ingram remain on injured reserve with return designations. Both must miss at least four games.
Dell continues recovering from the major knee injury he suffered in December 2024. He returned to practice during training camp but did not play in the preseason.
Defensive end Ali Gaye is also on injured reserve. Linebacker E.J. Speed and safety M.J. Stewart will begin the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Texans Continue Building Practice Squad
Houston announced 11 initial practice-squad players. The group includes Lewis Bond, Jawhar Jordan, Josh Kelly, Daniel Sobkowicz and Noah Whittington.
Dominic Bailey, Bryce Hall, Jamal Hill, Alijah Huzzie, James Neal III and George Odum also joined the unit. The Texans confirmed those signings Monday.
Houston may add five more players to reach the 16-player practice-squad limit. Further changes remain possible before the Texans open their season against Buffalo on Sept. 13.