Houston Texans 10-Man Practice Squad Is Set

The Houston Texans have been doing some wheeling and dealing for the past couple of days since Thursday night’s slaughtering by the San Francisco 49ers.

The Texans have announced their 10-man practice squad and the following players have been named to it:

DE Keith Browner

ILB Max Bullough

TE Anthony Denham

T Matt Feiler

C James Ferentz

G Alex Kupper

WR Travis Labhart

WR Uzoma (EZ) Nwachukwu

FB Toben Opurum

CB Marcus Williams

I’m sure these men are quite relieved to know they still have an opportunity to pursue their dream of playing football professionally. Maybe some of them can make enough of an impression to get off the squad for good either with the Texans or elsewhere.

Labhart, an undrafted rookie out of Texas A&M, a favorite prospect of mine, with his work ethic when given the opportunity this past preseason was admirable. He could be a serious threat in the slot and it’s good the Texans kept him on to develop him. Labhart caught six balls for 67 yards for the preseason.

Bullough, the undrafted rookie, two-time academic All-American and Big Ten First-Team recipient out of Michigan State made an strong campaign to make the final roster. But it was still not enough to get a spot. He will now have some time this season to develop while on the squad. Bullough had 14 tackles and one interception the preseason. He was also another favorite of mine.

Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (3) makes a reception during the second quarter as Houston Texans inside linebacker Max Bullough (53) defends at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Nwachukwu spent last season on the practice squad but was brought into camp with the opportunity to win a spot. His effort went fruitless as it seems Bill O’Brien wants to go with DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin as the second and third backups at the WR position. Nwachukwu caught five balls for 32 yards in the preseason. He still has a shot and I hope he gets it.

Kupper was also a member of last year’s practice squad and had the opportunity to appear in four games and start two this preseason. He was the odd man out as the Texans look to Brandon Brooks, Xavier Su’a-Filo and Ben Jones to fill the remaining guard slots. It’s good to know he’ll be on the practice squad.

Opurum, an undrafted free agent, was a holdover from the 2013 roster and was signed to the active roster late in the season from the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. With the already crowded field of backup running backs in Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Ronnie Brown, there was just no space for him. But O’Brien does see some value in him and that’s why he is still here.

Browner did have a few blips in the radar. He had five tackles in the preseason.