With C.J. Gardner-Johnson gone, the Houston Texans turned to their in-state rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, and one of their former prospects to fill the void he left on the roster. The Texans signed defensive back Zion Childress to their 53-man roster.
It is a notable step given that the unproven Childress will bypass the practice squad, a necessity for the Texans to sign him away from the Cowboys.
How he fits in with the rest of the Texans’ secondary remains unclear.
Texans Poach Cowboys DB Zion Childress From Practice Squad
GettyZion Childress #48 of the Dallas Cowboys in coverage against the Los Angeles Rams.
Childress’ arrival will not inherently push anyone off the Texans’ roster. Still, it will make their secondary one to watch amid injuries and communication issues, which partly led to Gardner-Johnson’s departure, among the group.
“The #Texans have signed CB Zion Childress to their 53-man roster, per a source,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonatham M. Alexander reported on X on September 24. “Childress, who was born in Houston, was previously on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, signing with them earlier this offseason as an undrafted rookie.
“This move provides them depth as they continue to deal with injuries at the cornerback position.”
Childress, a Houston native, attended New Caney HS and worked out for the Texans pre-draft.
The Texans have veterans D’Angelo Ross, Damon Arnette, and Myles Bryant on their practice squad.
Texans Navigating Injuries in Secondary
GettyDerek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. is day-to-day with an oblique injury. Meanwhile, rookie third-round draft pick Jaylin Smith is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The Texans had three cornerbacks on their roster before the move, including Stingley.
Kamari Lassiter locks down the perimeter spot opposite Stingley.
The Texans could turn to Super Bowl champion Tremon Smith to fill in as well. They are better off than it may seem at first blush, though, since safety Jalen Pitre plays the nickel spot
As KPRC’s Aaron Wilson reported, though, Childress “Adds some secondary depth at multiple spots after cutting C.J. Gardner-Johnson,” so the Texans may not have a defined plan for him, instead letting him be their utility man in the secondary.
The Texans may not be planning to turn to Childress at all.
Former Buccaneers 2nd-Round Pick in Line to Replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson for Texans
GettyM.J. Stewart #29 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Texans could eventually turn to Childress, but young veteran M.J. Stewart is expected to receive the first opportunity to line up next to Calen Bullock as the last line of defense.
“M.J. Stewart is now listed as a starting safety on the #Texans unofficial depth chart following C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s release,” the Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren posted on X, along with a graphic, on September 23. “He’s played five snaps on defense this year, but has seen a solid amount of snaps at safety in his previous three seasons with the team.”
He’s played five snaps on defense this year, but has seen a solid amount of snaps at safety in his previous three seasons with the team.
Texans veteran Jimmie Ward was also cleared legally of any domestic charges against him and removed from the commissioner’s exempt list the day before Houston released Gardner-Johnson.
He remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after offseason foot surgery.
Ward could return as soon as next week, when the Texans will face the Tennessee Titans, and his experience could allow him to step right back into a starting role in place of Gardner-Johnson if the Texans do not turn to Childress or Stewart.
Texans Poach Versatile Playmaker From Cowboys to Replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson