The Houston Texans are making their final preparations for their regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, with veteran Leki Fotu a primary beneficiary.
The Texans’ starters will play in the finale, per head coach DeMeco Ryans. However, as the Texans prepare for the postseason, the health of their roster will take precedence over the Colts game, which could lead to increased opportunities for Fotu.
Fotu has been part of a critical midseason retooling along the Texans’ defensive front.
Texans Call On Leki Fotu Again
- GettyLeki Fotu #95 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fotu initially signed with the Texans’ practice squad on December 23. He received his first elevation to the game-day roster for their Week 17 tilt against the Los Angeles Chargers. Fotu showed well enough to earn another opportunity before the postseason.
“#Texans elevating defensive tackle Leki Fotu from practice squad to active roster for second week in a row, per a league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported in a post on X on January 3. “Former #Raiders #Cardinals #Jets defensive lineman recorded two tackles in 14 defensive snaps in Texans debut in win over #Chargers.”
The timing of Fotu’s elevation works out for the Texans, who officially announced the news later.
Teams are allowed to elevate players from the practice squad up to three times during the regular season.
That counter resets for the postseason. The Texans can utilize Fotu for most, if not all, of what they hope is an extended run that ends in a Super Bowl victory. First, though, the Texans must close out the regular season against the Colts.
The Texans also announced they elevated safety Kaevon Merriweather to their game-day roster. A former undrafted free agent, Merriweather entered the league with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He has played in 12 games this season, but none with the Texans.
Texans DT Room in Flux
- GettyTim Settle Jr. #98 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Texans lost starting DT Tim Settle Jr. and backup Mario Edwards Jr. to season-ending injuries. They were forced into making multiple roster moves up front. That includes adding Fotu and fellow veteran interior lineman Naquan Jones.
Despite that, there is an argument to be made that all of the shuffling could be a recruiting tool.
Former Texans defensive tackle Seth Payne, now the host of “Payne & Pendergast” in Houston, argued that players should be lining up to join Ryans and Co.
“If I were a free agent defensive tackle who didn’t like my current offers, I would book a flight to Houston and sit in front of DeMeco’s office until he either signed me to a one year deal or threw me out of the building,” Payne posted on X on January 1.
Texans Announce Key Decision on Injured Duo
GettyDarrell Taylor #52 and E.J. Speed #45 of the Houston Texans celebrate a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Plenty of signs pointed to the Texans elevating cornerback Ajani Carter and defensive end Darrell Taylor to their game-day roster. Both players are on injured reserve but have resumed practicing.
The Texans, though, opted against it, at least for this week.
“Houston Texans Injury Report Update,” Houston Texans PR posted on X on January 3 “CB Ajani Carter (hamstring) and DE Darrell Taylor (ankle) were not activated from the Reserve/Injured list today and have been downgraded to out for Week 18 vs. the Indianapolis Colts.”
The Texans have navigated much of the season without both players, who could still have noteworthy roles in the postseason.
Colts Elevate 2 Players for Texans Game
- GettyRiley Leonard #15 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Texans were not alone in making their final roster adjustments. Indianapolis elevated two players from its practice squad, including its backup quarterback.
“The Indianapolis Colts today elevated quarterback Seth Henigan and tight end Sean McKeon to the active roster from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans,” the Colts’ communications staff wrote on January 3.
Henigan is an undrafted rookie who has yet to attempt a pass during a regular-season game.
McKeon has caught six passes for 38 yards and 1 touchdown in 45 games with three starts during his career.
Indy is starting rookie sixth-round pick Riley Leonard, who has 145 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 54.5% completion. Former starter Anthony Richardson is on injured reserve due to an eye injury. Philip Rivers will serve as the Colts’ emergency third QB.
Texans Add Former Raiders DT, Ex-Buccaneers DB to Roster Before Finale