The Houston Texans changed their roster just hours before taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs on Monday night.
The Texans cut a former second-round pick to make room for a rookie returning from injury, a necessary move but still a bit surprising.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the release first:
“The #Texans are releasing pass-rusher Darrell Taylor, who just came off IR and is healthy now, sources say. He heads to waivers and can be claimed by a playoff team.”
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Taylor missed most of the season, which was his first with Houston. He had just three tackles in four games.
He spent his first three NFL seasons with the Seahawks after they made him a second-round pick.
Then he was with the Chicago Bears in 2024.
The 28-year old defensive end has 24.5 career sacks in 69 games.
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The Texans activated rookie safety Jaylen Reed from IR to put into that roster spot, according to Jonathan Alexander.
Reed was a sixth-round pick out of Penn State.
He has played in seven games this season and has 14 tackles and a fumble recovery.
The Texans’ defense has been fierce all season, and this move is probably not crucial, but it’s extra fascinating given it happened midday on the day of an elimination game.
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