The Houston Texans are working to balance their roster amid a slew of injuries at multiple positions. Just one day before they take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 11, the Texans have made important roster moves involving tight ends Cade Stover and Jakob Johnson. The timing could not be better.

Entering this contest, the Texans hold a 4-5 record and have more than just a chance to reach .500 for the first time this season on the line. This latest set of moves is part of an overall busy day for the team.

### Texans Activate Cade Stover & Jakob Johnson

On November 15, the Texans announced via a post on X that they “have activated Jakob Johnson and Cade Stover from the Reserve/Injured list and made other roster moves.”

Cade Stover, a fourth-round pick by Houston in 2024, has been sidelined with a foot injury since the regular season opener. His return should provide a much-needed boost to the offense, especially since quarterback C.J. Stroud will not be available to lead the team in Week 11.

At 25 years old, Stover has caught four passes for 22 yards this season. As a rookie, he posted solid numbers with 15 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown. Alongside Johnson, he helps replenish the Texans’ tight end depth, which has been impacted by injuries to Dalton Schultz and Harrison Bryant.

Good news for the Texans: Schultz is expected to play against the Titans, which will certainly help rookie quarterback Davis Mills as he prepares for his second start in place of Stroud. Meanwhile, Bryant has been placed on the reserve/injured list.

Jakob Johnson, who also plays fullback, adds valuable versatility to the Texans’ offensive personnel, contributing both as a tight end and as a backfield option behind British Brooks.

### Defensive Backs Added for Titans Game

In addition to activating Johnson and Stover, the Texans made moves in their secondary. They waived cornerback Damon Arnette, a former Las Vegas Raiders player, although he may return to the practice squad. Meanwhile, rookie undrafted free agent cornerback Ajani Carter was promoted to the active roster.

Carter, who previously played wide receiver and safety at Utah State before transferring to Houston to play cornerback in 2024, will join veteran safety Jalen Mills in strengthening the Texans’ banged-up secondary. The defense will be without safety Jalen Pitre, sidelined with a concussion, and rookie cornerback Jaylin Smith, who is on injured reserve with a season-ending injury.

Jalen Mills brings a wealth of experience, having started 91 of 116 career games and winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018.

### Texans Have Big Opportunity in Week 11

The Texans face a struggling Tennessee Titans team that enters Week 11 with a 1-8 record and has already fired its head coach. Houston currently sits third in the AFC South standings but is only one game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars for second place.

A win over the Titans, combined with a Jaguars loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, would create a compelling scenario for the Texans as the season stretches on. Houston and Jacksonville have already split their two head-to-head matchups this year.

To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Texans not only need to win their upcoming games—starting with this crucial Week 11 matchup against Tennessee—but also will require support from the Jaguars’ opponents.

With key roster reinforcements now available and an opportunity to climb the standings, the Texans are poised to make a push in the second half of the season.
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