Texans Sign Veteran Receivers to Shore Up Depth
The Houston Texans officially added veteran wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones to their roster, the team announced on Saturday. The signings came after Jayden Higgins, a second-year receiver, was lost for the season with a torn ACL, a blow that left the receiving corps thin and searching for experienced options.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans, speaking to reporters on August 22, explained the thinking behind the moves. "We signed two veteran guys. We'll see what they can provide when it comes to adding depth to our receiver room," he said. "We're still trying to find a way to help out in the receiver room, and that's what those two guys provide: veteran experience, guys who've done it before, done it at a high level, played in a lot of different systems." He also acknowledged the loss of Higgins as "a very significant piece in our receiver room."
Shepard, who is over 30 and has more than eight years of NFL experience, brings a career resume of 443 receptions for 4,800 yards and 25 touchdowns. He spent last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he caught 39 passes for 371 yards and a touchdown. Jones, also over 30 with nine years in the league, has put up 307 receptions, 3,295 yards, and 18 touchdowns over his career; he played for the Jaguars, Raiders, Bills, and Cardinals, contributing 12 catches for 83 yards in 2025.
Both players were brought in for a workout, and the team liked what it saw, leading to the signings. They are expected to compete for spots on the final 53-man roster.
Ossai Placed on Injured Reserve
To make room for the new receivers, the Texans announced they had placed defensive end K.C. Ossai on injured reserve. Ossai, a second-year player out of Louisiana, has not appeared in a regular-season game, having spent time with the Miami Dolphins before returning to Houston. The transaction was noted on the team's official website and social media.
However, reports indicate some ambiguity about Ossai's roster status. Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reported that it appeared Ossai was actually waived rather than placed on injured reserve. Regardless of the designation, Ossai is no longer counting against the Texans' roster total.
The move comes as the team manages several injuries at the linebacker position, where Ossai had been part of a deep group behind starters Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o.
Injuries Mount Across the Roster
The Texans are navigating a wave of injuries that extends well beyond the receiver room. KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson reported on August 21 that rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz (thumb), running back Noah Whittington (ankle), and defensive end Dominique Robinson (calf) were among new injuries, all considered day to day. The team is also without linebacker E.J. Speed (quad) and Jake Hansen (strain).
In the receiver corps, Jayden Higgins is out for the season with a torn ACL, and fellow wideouts Jaylin Noel and Tank Dell are still working their way back. At running back, British Brooks, Jawhar Jordan, and Joshua Pitsenberger are also dealing with injuries, leaving the team thin behind David Montgomery and Woody Marks.
Veterans Face a Competitive Roster Battle
With the regular season approaching, Shepard and Jones will need to prove themselves worthy of a spot on the Texans' 53-man roster. Their experience is a key factor, but the team also has other options. Reports suggest that Xavier Hutchinson, a 2023 sixth-round selection, could occupy a role similar to the one Higgins would have filled, adding to the competition.
The Texans will hold a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers before their preseason finale, and the roster cutdown deadline is just over a week away. The decisions made in the coming days will determine which players stick, and the new veterans will be under scrutiny as they try to earn their place.
Looking Ahead
The Texans are set to open their regular-season schedule against the Buffalo Bills, but before that, they must finalize their roster. The addition of Shepard and Jones brings a veteran presence to a receiver room that has faced questions due to injuries, and the team will rely on their experience as it navigates a challenging stretch.
As reported by multiple outlets, the signings reflect the team's urgency to address depth issues. While the moves do not guarantee playing time, they provide the Texans with more experienced options as they prepare for the season.
With the final preseason game and cutdown day approaching, the coming week will be crucial for Houston as it shapes its roster for the 2026 campaign.