Head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans are moving on from Marte Mapu, in what is at least a mild surprise, and Jha’Quan Jackson in their latest roster adjustment
To be clear, both players were on the roster bubble, a symptom of the Texans’ quality depth.
However, amid injuries at their respective positions, the news–which came amid the Texans making several other roster tweaks official–underscores just how difficult it is for players to stick in Houston.
Texans Cut Ties With Marte Mapu
GettyMarte Mapu’s journey with the Texans is not over just yet.
The Texans announced their decisions on Mapu and Jackson along with their announcement of their deals with Caleb Johnson, Deuce Vaughn, and George Odum.
“The Texans waived/injured LB Marte Mapu which is a bit of a surprise,” Sleeper affiliate Jacob Barzilla posted on X on August 24. “Mapu was getting opportunities to win a backup LB role but never stood out and was outplayed by multiple others in that room.”
Johnson’s arrival further justifies (from the outside looking in) moving on from Mapu.
The Texans are without linebacker Jake Hansen still, and have cycled through so many already that retaining additional depth could be prudent. But Mapu’s injury likely forced their hand.
The Texans are also racing the clock. The NFL deadline for teams to trim their rosters down to 53 players is August 30. That gives them slightly less time following their preseason finale to finalize their opening group.
This is not the end of Mapu’s story with the Texans, though. He will now go through waivers. If he is not claimed, he will revert to the Texans’ injured reserve.
After that, expect the team to release (waive) him again, this time with an injury settlement.
Ex-Titans WR Back on Free Agent Market
GettyThe Texans cut ties with Jha’Quan Jackson.
Jackson’s situation was different, despite injuries being a common denominator at both spots. He was still far down on the WR depth chart. That is led by two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins.
It includes recent draft picks Lewis Bond (a rookie), Jaylin Noel, Tank Dell–who has missed several recent practice sessions and remains an uncertainty–and Xavier Hutchinson. Former undrafted free agent Jared Wayne has stepped up.
Moreover, veteran Justin Watson is healthy after being banged up in 2025.
The Texans also added Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones this week. That is to say nothing of the likes of Daniel Sobkowicz, Josh Kelly, and TreyVhon Saunders. All of them remain, vying for a spot on the practice squad at best.
It was an uphill climb for Jackson, a sixth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2024, from the outset.
He was not alone, either, with Juwann Winfree also cut, as was reported on Sunday.
Texans Make ‘Surprise’ Decision With Former Patriots LB, Cut Ex-Titans WR