Texans Release Former 2nd-Round Pick Hours Before Playoff Against Steelers
The Houston Texans made a notable roster change just hours before their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a surprising move, they released former second-round pick Darrell Taylor to create space for rookie safety Jaylen Reed, who is returning from injury.
Details of the Roster Change
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans waived pass-rusher Darrell Taylor, who had recently become healthy after spending time on injured reserve (IR). Taylor is now eligible for claim by any playoff team.
Player Background
- Darrell Taylor: The 28-year-old defensive end was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. He spent his initial three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before a stint with the Chicago Bears in the 2024 season.
- Performance: In his first season with the Texans, Taylor managed to record just three tackles in four games. Overall, he has accumulated 24.5 sacks across 69 games in his career.
Rookie Safety Activation
In tandem with Taylor’s release, the Texans activated rookie safety Jaylen Reed from IR. Reed, drafted in the sixth round from Penn State, has already participated in seven games this season. He boasts 14 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Texans’ Defensive Strategy
This move reflects the Texans’ ongoing commitment to strengthening their defense as they advance deeper into the playoffs. The Texans have been formidable on defense throughout the season. Although Taylor’s release may not significantly impact their game plan, the timing of the decision adds an interesting layer to the day’s events.
Upcoming Playoff Game
The Texans are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a crucial Wild Card playoff game. Fans are eager to see how the team’s adjusted roster will perform in this high-stakes matchup.
