Texans Add Former Patriots Playmaker, Cut Recent Draft Pick Before Broncos Game

The Houston Texans shuffled their roster ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos, bolstering their group with tight end Dalton Keene, a former fourth-round draft pick of the New England Patriots.

They also got good news on another player, who is returning from injury.

Of course, additions often mean substractions elsewhere on the roster, and this set of transactions by the Texans is no different.

Dalton Keene Returns to Texans

“We have signed Dalton Keene to the practice squad and made other roster moves,” the Texans announced in a post on X on October 29.

Keene, 26, was the No. 101 overall pick of the 2020 draft by the Patriots, but injuries have hindered his career, from his time in New England to his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, and even over his first two-plus seasons with the Texans.

The Texans waived Keene in August with an injury settlement.

Keene has not played in a regular-season game since Week 10 of the 2023 season with the Texans. He has three receptions for 16 yards in his career.

The Texans have been decimated by injuries at tight end, losing Cade Stover and Irv Smith to injuries. Moreover, starter Dalton Schultz was absent from the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday.

Tight end could be a spot the Texans target before the trade deadline if Schultz’s absence from practice lingers into game day in Week 9 and beyond.

Texans Release Former 6th-Round Pick

The Texans also announced a shakeup to their backfield. To make room for Keene on their practice squad, the Texans released reserve running back Jawhar Jordan. Jordan, 26, was the No. 205 overall pick of the 2024 draft by the Texans.

Jordan never suited up for the Texans in the regular season.

He also watched the room around him evolve to include Joe Mixon and, this past offseason, four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb and rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks.

The Texans also have veteran scatback Dare Ogunbowale, 2022 fourth-rounder Dameon Pierce, and RB/FB British Brooks. They have also been linked to running back targets ahead of the November 4 trade deadline.

Jordan could return to the Texans’ practice squad at a later date.

However, the Texans are not short on options out of the backfield, despite Jordan’s pedigree as a draft pick.

‘German Tank’ Returns for Texans

In addition to their moves involving Keene and Jordan, the Texans also announced that they were activating fullback Jakob Johnson off injured reserve.

The veteran, who also plays tight end and was Keene’s teammate on the Patriots in 2020, suffered a hamstring injury in the Texans’ Week 3 loss on the road against their AFC South rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Johnson has appeared in three games for the Texans this season, starting one.

In addition to the Texans and the Patriots, Johnson has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants during his career.

Johnson, Keene, and the Texans face a stiff test against the Broncos, who are 6-2 and sit atop the AFC West, lead the NFL in sacks, and boast the No. 5 scoring and overall defense in the league entering Week 9.

Terry McLaurin Says Injuries Can Slow Him Down, But They’ll Never Stop Him — A True Leader’s Promise to Washington

In a league where toughness is the bare minimum, Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin continues to set the standard — not just with his talent, but with his character. After suffering a setback in the form of a recent injury, McLaurin has made it crystal clear: he is not someone who quit or complains. His message is simple, powerful, and true to his legacy:

"I don’t play football to make excuses. I play football to make a difference. Injuries may slow me down, but they’ll never stop me."

That statement, shared by McLaurin in the wake of his sidelining injury, captured the spirit of a competitor who refuses to accept defeat. Known for his grit, consistency, and unwavering leadership on and off the field, McLaurin’s commitment goes beyond the stat sheet — it’s about leading by example.

A Warrior Mindset

McLaurin, affectionately known by fans as "Scary Terry," has built his career on outworking doubt, pain, and odds. While some may see injuries as a tragic part of the sport, McLaurin frames them as temporary barriers — not endpoints.

“Injuries are part of football, but they are not part of who I am,” McLaurin remarked through a team source. “My goal has never been just to play — it’s to inspire, fight, and keep showing what this team stands for.”

A Leader on the Sidelines, Too

During his recovery, McLaurin has remained a vocal presence for his teammates, bringing energy to the locker room and guidance to the younger receivers who are now stepping up in his absence. He isn’t just the face of the Commanders’ offense — he’s the heartbeat.

“Terry isn’t just a player; he’s a culture,” said one offensive teammate. “Even when he can’t take the field, he’s still the loudest voice pushing us forward.”

Fighting for Washington

McLaurin’s journey is a reminder that Washington’s story this season isn’t just about wins or injuries — but resilience. Fans love him not just because of what he does on the field, but how he carries himself when things go wrong.

“This team matters to me. This city matters. And I’ll give everything I’ve got — whether I’m catching passes or cheering from the sideline,” he said.

The Road Ahead

With every intention of returning stronger, McLaurin remains one of the league’s most dependable targets when healthy. His refusal to let injuries define his season only solidifies his status as a true leader — the kind Washington can build around.

And if one thing is certain, it's this: Terry McLaurin isn’t done yet — not even close.

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