The Houston Texans’ cornerback depth took a hit Wedensday morning before the first week of practice.
Houston is placing veteran cornerback Jeff Okudah on the injured reserve list, according to multiple reports. The former No. 3 overall pick of the 2020 left during the third quarter of Week 1’s win over the Indianapolis Colts with a shoulder injury and did not return.
In a corresponding move, the Texans have signed linebacker/defensive end Rashad Weaver to the active 53-man roster.
The #Texans placed CB Jeff Okudah on injured reserve and signed veteran CBs Desmond King and Troy Pride to the practice squad.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 11, 2024
Weaver, an edge rusher who previously played for the Tennessee Titans, has totaled 5.5 sacks since being drafted out of Pitt in 2021. The Texans also signed cornerback Troy Pride and defensive back Desmond King to the practice squad.
Houston elected to release former TCU safety Mark Perry to make room for King.
Initially, it had been reported that King would sign on Tuesday, though he tweeted after the news that he had not signed because he wanted a bigger role on defense. With the practice squad, he can be elevated three times before having to either be signed to the active roster or sidelined for the remainder of the year.
“I don’t want to be used as a reserve,” King posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “My value as a player has been in the top of my position for years. It’s time I deserve some respect. I show up every time the opportunity presents itself.”
#Texans have signed DB Desmond King to replace Jeff Okudah on the active roster
Desmond King is inevitable pic.twitter.com/XRH06G3Wl8
— Apollo Texans (@ApolloTexans) September 11, 2024
The tweet was later deleted before King signed.
King has been a stable nickel corner and return man for Houston over his three seasons. After being cut last year by both the Texans and Steelers, he returned to the practice squad but quickly was raised to the active roster.
Perhaps the same thing happens next week after the Chicago Bears come to town.
