The Houston Texans wrapped up their preseason with a dominant road win over the Detroit Lions 26-7 on Saturday. Both the offense and defense excelled as the most players put out their best efforts in order to make the 53-man roster.
There were a couple of players on offense who stood out for Houston that may end up making the team, and some may eventually be on the practice squad. There is one player who put up a strong performance, who the Texans should stash on their practice squad, and that would be wide receiver Quintez Cephus.
The former Detroit Lions draft pick made his presence felt back in the Motor City with four catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. His grab in the end zone was spectacular, as Cephus caught the football over the defender and pulled it down. It ended up being the highlight of the game. The former Wisconsin Badger received the pass from another former Wisconsin player, quarterback Graham Mertz.
Quintez Cephus scores against his former team!
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025
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Quintez Cephus Made a Strong Case to Stick Around with the Texans
The 2020 fifth-round pick was known for his ability to create separation, but he dealt with a multitude of injuries during his time with the Lions. Cephus has now been with a plethora of teams, such as the Bills, Rams (for one season), and 49ers, but has been released or waived. This is now his second stint with the Texans, and he has put his name on the radar.
Cephus has been in the NFL for over five years now and has some experience at the highest level. It may be a good idea for the Texans to just retain him on the practice squad in case he is needed. Houston does have a strong and deep wide receiver room, but keeping Cephus can give quarterback C.J. Stroud a decent option in case injuries pile up.
Every team deals with different setbacks, and Cephus can jump right in if promoted from the practice squad. Nico Collins and Christian Kirk are both coming off injuries, as well as Xavier Hutchinson, who still needs to permanently establish himself. Besides those three, the Texans have two rookies in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
There is a history of uncertainty with Cephus as well, not just due to his injury history, but also because of his prior lawsuits during his time at Wisconsin, as well as being suspended for the 2023 season for violating the NFL gambling policy.
Cephus has a career 568 receiving yards on 37 catches with four touchdowns.