The Houston Texans have a new playmaker in Owen Wright.
Wright was among a litany of players the Texans had in for a tryout earlier this week, as they deal with some injury concerns at the position in training camp. Primarily a special teams contributor, he has a significant opportunity in front of him.
However, the Texans also decided to put an end to one of their more polarizing training camp position battles, at least for now.
Texans Sign Ex-Buccaneers RB Owen Wright Amid Veteran’s Injury
GettyOwen Wright joins the Texans’ backfield.
“The Texans have signed RB Owen Wright, who played for the Bucs last season,” the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander reported on X on August 8.
Wright, 27, has three carries for 6 yards in his career.
He joins a retooled running back room led by David Montgomery, but also including recent draft picks Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan. The group also includes veteran British Brooks, who also serves as the team’s fullback and a special teams maven.
That is where Wright can make an immediate impact and give himself the best chance to stick, at least for the three weeks that Brooks is expected to remain sidelined.
That will give Wright some opportunities in preseason action.
The Texans announced the move on the official team website and then confirmed the news a short while later, making it official for Wright joining their backfield for the time being. But that was just part of the roster shuffling the Texans did on Saturday.
Texans End Training Camp Battle
GettyKai Kroeger gets a boost heading into the preseason.
Before the Texans signed Wright, per Alexander, they “cut rookie P Jack Stonehouse, per a source.
“P Kai Kroeger is the lone punter on the roster.”
The Texans acquired Kroeger in a trade with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. He and Stonehouse, whom the team signed after the draft, have duked it out in an uninspiring competition that saw the Texans show interest in multiple potential replacements.
“Preseason games will still determine if Kai Kroeger winds up as #Texans regular season punter. No immediate signings, per sources, of punters who tried out this week: Jack Browning, Trenton Gill,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on August 8. “For Kroeger, prime opportunity to solidify hold on job and build timing with Ka’imi Fairbairn.”
For now, it appears that Kroeger, a former UDFA himself, has staved off his challengers. However, the situation is likely far from settled.
“#Texans preferred experience, polish with Kai Kroeger, per league source,” Wilson added. “Lot of upside with Jack Stonehouse, released today, as team goes forward with Kroeger, whom they traded for this offseason from #Saints.”
Texans Key on Former Broncos & Chiefs Draft Picks
GettyJuwann Winfree was among the Texans’ workouts on Saturday.
The Texans continued to seek out potential candidates for their roster. They worked out Juwann Winfree and Eric Scott, per Wilson. Winfree and Scott entered the league with AFC clubs in the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos, respectively.
Houston also worked out former Buccaneers and New York Jets CB Bryce Hall.
Winfree is a wide receiver and former sixth-round draft pick (2019). He has 75 career receiving yards and experience on special teams. Scott was a sixth-round pick in 2023.
With the preseason coming up, putting together the best 90-man roster is only part of the upcoming challenge the Texans and every other team is set to face. They must trim down to 53 players by August 30.
Texans Add Former Buccaneers Running Back, Cut Ties With Rookie