The Houston Texans have a perhaps their last game of the season this weekend. In an effort to avoid that fate, the team made a move.
Patrick Mahomes forces all of his opponents to bring their A-game. With the Houston Texans on a collision course with the most accomplished active quarterback in the NFL, the team saw fit to make an addition.
Of course, they’ve also made a subtraction in recent days. Diontae Johnson, who spent time with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens already this season, was released by the Texans this week.
Diontae Johnson saw plenty of criticism from NFL fans in his time with the Ravens, leading to a suspension and subsequent release. He has since been re-added to the Ravens via the waiver wire, although the transaction can’t process until after the Super Bowl, per Adam Schefter.
Now, with the Texans moving on to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, they’ve picked up a receiver. The addition comes on top of an apology to the Texans from Rex Ryan.
Texans sign new receiver
According to Pro Football Talk, the Texans have signed Jared Wayne to the 53-man roster. The receiver has logged 40 offensive snaps and 24 special teams snaps as well for the Texans earlier this season.
However, he has not had an opportunity to log a statistic yet this season. The biggest selling point for Wayne comes from his college days. In 2022, Wayne caught 60 passes for 1063 yards and five touchdowns for Pitt.
He’s gotten some looks from the Texans, but now he has his best opportunity yet to make an impact against perhaps the most difficult teams of the 2020s.
Texans’ addition to 53-man squad helps fill depth chart holes
While adding Wayne helps bolster the receiving room after letting Diontae Johnson walk, it also helps fill in for potential and guaranteed absences.
Stefon Diggs is still on the injured reserve while Robert Woods and tight end Dalton Schultz are questionable for the battle against Mahomes.
Tank Dell also will be on IR and will miss the game. That means the Texans pass catchers could be limited to Nico Collins, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne, and tight end Irv Smith. Put simply, this might be Wayne’s best option to ensure a future in 2025.
Will Wayne be the x-factor no one expected?
