The Houston Texans are still searching for roster help, leading them to Caleb Johnson.
“#Texans worked out veteran linebacker Caleb Johnson @HouChristianU today, per a league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on August 22. “Has 40 career tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, previously #Bears #Jaguars #Falcons #Dolphins.”
Johnson, 28, is a former undrafted free agent. He has 67 games of regular-season experience under his belt, all as a reserve.
The Texans have battled injuries at linebacker since the offseason program.
Texans Eye Caleb Johnson for LB Help
GettyE.J. Speed’s injury began a rash of them for the Texans.
Johnson could be a fitting addition to a Texans LB room that remains strong with Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, and rookie Wade Woodaz, who has operated as LB3 amid the injury to usual third starter E.J. Speed.
Speed suffered a quad injury during the Texans’ offseason program.
They have also lost roster replacement Sione Takitaki, who was released due to injury less than two weeks after signing.
Johnson’s ability to contribute on special teams is the clear appeal for the Texans, who did not have Woodaz on the field for practice on Saturday. He picked up a thumb injury in the preseason loss against the Las Vegas Raiders and was wearing a sling.
The Texans’ injury list is extensive.
Texans’ Injury List Paints Unfortunate Picture
GettyJake Hansen is one of several injured Texans players.
The uber-talented Texans are feeling the squeeze of attrition on their roster with a noteworthy group of walking wounded.
“#Texans sorting through injuries: Graham Mertz (torn right ACL, MRI confirms), Ja’Marcus Ingram (shoulder), Josh Pitsenberger (ankle, couple weeks), Collin Wright (strain, soft tissue, day to day), per league sources,” Wilson reported on August 14, “plus Jake Hansen (ankle), Brevin Jordan (knee), Jawhar Jordan (strained hip flexor), British Brooks (broken hand).”
Wilson provided a few more names on Friday.
“#Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz (thumb), running back Noah Whittington (ankle), defensive end Domonique Robinson (calf) among new injuries, per league source,” Wilson posted in the update. “Regarded as day to day at this point.”
Texans DNPs for Practice Not Inspiring
GettyJadeveon Clowney did not practice for the Texans on Saturday.
And finally, there was the tally of non-participants at Saturday’s practice session, which was, again, fairly extensive.
It also included some new names.
“#Texans not practicing Saturday: Tank Dell, British Brooks (broken hand), Noah Whittington (ankle), Jawhar Jordan (hip flexor), Domonique Robinson (calf), Collin Wright (soft tissue, leg), Wade Woodaz (thumb in cast), Brevin Jordan (knee), Jake Hansen (ankle), Jadeveon Clowney, Logan Hall, Braden Smith,” Wilson said in his latest update, adding, “Some are rest days.”
Texans Move on Local Product With Jaguars Past at Injury-Marred Position