Tag: Brevin Jordan

Report: Texans to elevate TE Jordan Akins to active roster against the Bears

The Houston Texans are elevating tight end Jordan Akins from the practice squad to the active roster.

Welcome back, Jordan Akins.

According to Aaron Wilson from the Pro Football Network, the Houston Texans are elevating their former 2018 third-round tight end from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of their Week 3 tilt with the Chicago Bears.

The Texans are experiencing availability issues at tight end given second-year Brevin Jordan is out with an ankle injury. Pharaoh Brown is questionable with a shoulder injury, although he was a full participant in Friday’s practice.

Akins caught 24 passes for 214 yards through 13 games for Houston last season, three games of which he started. Akins was not re-signed by Houston in the 2022 offseason and spent the offseason and training camp with the New York Giants.

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Texans vs. Bears Week 3 injury report: TE Brevin Jordan out

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan will be out against the Chicago Bears in Week 3.

The Houston Texans released their final injury report for Week 3 as they prepare to face the Chicago Bears Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at Soldier Field.

The Texans declared tight end Brevin Jordan (ankle), tackle Austin Deculus (ankle), and cornerback Isaac Yiadom (thigh) out for the Bears.

Tight end Pharaoh Brown (shoulder) and defensive tackles Kurt Hinish (foot) and Maliek Collins (knee) were declared questionable. Hinish appeared as a non-participant on the injury report on Thursday and remained. Collins was a non-participant on both Wednesday and Friday, but was a limited participant on Thursday. Brown was a full participant on Friday.

Linebackers Blake Cashman (hip) and Kamu Grugier-Hill (neck) were full participants along with quarterback Davis Mills (right thumb). None of them received an injury designation for Week 3’s game.

Cornerback Steven Nelson did not participate in practice on Friday, but it was not injury related.

For more information on Chicago’s injury report, check out the Bears Wire.

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Texans vs. Broncos Friday injury report: TE Brevin Jordan questionable

The Houston Texans had one player declared out and one player declared questionable for the Denver Broncos.

The Houston Texans released their final injury report for Week 2 against the Denver Broncos Sunday at 3:25 p.m. Central Time at Empower Field at Mile High.

The Texans declared center Justin Britt (not injury related) out on Friday before the injury report released.

Houston also declared tight end Brevin Jordan (ankle) questionable. Jordan was limited on Wednesday, did not practice Thursday, and was limited once more on Friday.

Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (knee) did not have an injury designation. Collins did not practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday, and was a full participant on Friday.

Defensive end Rasheem Green (thigh) was limited on Wednesday and then was a full participant in the last two practices. The same was true for cornerback Isaac Yiadom (abdomen).

Denver had five players questionable. For more information on Denver’s injury report, check out the Broncos Wire.

O.J. Howard may quickly find himself starting for the Texans

@JohnHCrumpler elucidates how O.J. Howard’s skillset may meet the perfect opportunity with the Houston Texans’ run-first offense.

It was no secret entering the cut down deadline that the Houston Texans needed to find help for Davis Mills.

Specifically, their tight end group and wide receivers represented some of the shallowest in the entire NFL. The team was only rostering four wide receivers and two tight ends, a rather unacceptable situation in today’s pass heavy league and with the burden already placed on Mills to perform this year in what amounts to a full-season audition to become the team’s franchise quarterback.

Houston moved quickly to solve their issues at wide receiver, they used their third overall waiver claim on Tyler Johnson and some practice squad magic to elevate Chris Conley back onto the 53-man roster. In contrast, it appeared the team was content to stay put at tight end position with no sound of any waiver claims placed or workouts that the team was executing.

Yesterday, that news finally changed as word broke of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills tight end O.J. Howard flying to Houston for a workout with the expectation that a contract would be signed. This came almost 24 hours after Howard had reportedly been trying to strike a deal to join the reigning AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals.

It may have taken an entire offseason but Houston finally found their splashy tight end signing to hopefully elevate the group.

There’s a natural tendency to express caution with any signing that occurs this late into the off-season however there’s plenty of deserved optimism around the Howard signing that should have Houston fans excited. The Texans Wire had looked at the former Alabama tight end as a potential target for Nick Caserio since February and most of those points remain the same.

The 6-6, 251-pound passing target brings a first round pedigree and a physical presence that neither Pharaoh Brown nor Brevin Jordan currently offer the team. Howard was a nasty blocker and above average receiver during his time in Tampa Bay before suffering an Achilles injury in 2020. The injury not only sapped him of some explosiveness but also took off the same page from veteran quarterback Tom Brady, who clearly preferred throwing to Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate in two tight end formations.

Fortunately for Houston, Howard no longer has to appeal to the whims of the game’s best quarterback. Furthermore, his greatest strength is one that he still flashed plenty in both Tampa Bay and with Buffalo this past preseason. His strength to bully defenders and run blocking project as an excellent fit for offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton’s offense and should help to open up running lanes for rookie sensation Dameon Pierce. It’s a skillset that could see Howard starting games for Houston much sooner than many expect.

Brown has served as Houston’s primary blocking tight end and sat atop the depth chart as his position for the entire preseason. To his credit, Brown has put together a fantastic offseason and made an excellent case for why he should see plenty of playing time in 2022. It’s a situation however that is worth monitoring as Brown missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury and has left the door open for playing time.

Jordan is a totally different tight end than his other two counterparts. The 6-3 Miami product is primarily known for his speed and pass catching ability, a skillset that didn’t exactly flash this offseason in the way Houston was hoping. Jordan still projects as the clear “pass-catching” tight-end when the team wants to use 12 personnel but isn’t the run-mauler that Lovie Smith’s offensive identity will crave.

The two question marks at his position make for a fascinating situation for Howard. His stock could not possibly be lower right now among the league, having seemingly failed to make both of the AFC’s top dogs in Buffalo and Cincinnati and being forced to come to the Texans for a more favorable situation. Can Howard’s historical talent, fierce run blocking, and desperation to make his claim in the league force him atop Houston’s depth chart? Or has the injury truly changed the dynamic in place for the sixth-year tight end?

Howard has the advantage of more natural talent and more experience in the league than either Brown or Jordan. His injury history and late arrival to Houston will make the competition truly interesting.

The run blocking on display in Buffalo and the fact that tight ends will likely project as the fourth or fifth receiving option when they’re on the field bode well for Howard. Hamilton and the Texans will just be asking for serviceable to above average route running and pass catching ability for Mills when the team has him in play on passing downs.

Howard may have the opportunity of a career here in a situation that not only plays to his strengths but will offer ample opportunity to show them off over the next four months. Fans can see how much Houston initially chooses to utilize their new tight end during the season opener on Sept. 11 against the Indianapolis Colts.

John Crumpler has written for the Texans Wire since 2019 and is a PFWA member. Follow him on Twitter @JohnHCrumpler and catch him on The Backpedal Podcast.

Consistency is key for Texans LB Neville Hewitt

Going into his eighth NFL season and second with the Houston Texans, LB Neville Hewitt knows that consistent play is pivotal.

As Davis Mills drops back to pass during the seven-on-seven red zone drill, he notices his tight end Brevin Jordan has made his way to the middle of the end zone and is using his 6-3, 245-pound frame to shield off the safety behind him. Jordan throws up his hand to signal to his quarterback that he is open.

Mills sees the hand and throws the pass towards his tight end with incredible velocity. All indicators showed that this would be a successful play for the Texans’ offense, but something happened while the ball was in the air.

Out of nowhere, eight-year linebacker Neville Hewitt jumps right in front of the pass intended for Jordan and tries to make an interception but is unsuccessful. His attempt caused the ball to go in the air and come down in the arms of rookie safety Jalen Pitre.

Plays like that are what Hewitt has been doing since Day 1 of Texans training camp. He attributes his plays in camp so far to the familiarity with coach Lovie Smith’s system.

“After being in the system for a second year, you kind of got an idea of where you are supposed to be,” Hewitt said after practice. “After studying, watching film and taking coaching, all I am trying to do is get better every day.”

Most NFL players use “stacking days” as a mantra during daily practices. In layman’s terms, it means being consistent in what is working for them and improving on it. That mindset is what a coach wants to see when observing players on the field and film.

Hewitt has “stacked” enough days during training camp for the coaches to notice, including Smith.

“I love everything he’s done since he got here,” said Smith. “As you watch practice just about every day he’s out there, he’s one of the guys that’s bought into.”

After playing all 17 games in 2021, Hewitt had an opportunity to sign elsewhere as a free agent but chose to come back to the Texans for another year.

“It’s a great group of guys here,” said Hewitt about his decision to stay with Houston. “We have a lot of veterans and a lot of young guys, a very good mix. Coming into a defense for a second year, I have a history of coming back in the second year with a better understanding. I play faster.

“So that is better than going anywhere else and trying to figure it out again. I wanted to come back and build chemistry with these guys and make plays.”

Hewitt will have an opportunity to display what he has improved on in camp when the Texans take on the New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium Aug. 13.

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‘Fat kid’ Brevin Jordan cut out fast food to improve performance in Year 2

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan says he cut out fast food to slim down in his second season.

Brevin Jordan knew he needed to make sacrifices if he wanted to excel in his second NFL season.

The Houston Texans’ 2021 fifth-round tight end from Miami worked on his eating habits throughout the offseason to get leaner and stronger in his quest to become a complete tight end.

The path wasn’t easy.

“I’m a fat kid honestly,” Jordan told reporters on Aug. 6 at Houston Methodist Training Center. “I’m a fat kid so give me some Cane’s, In-N-Out Burger, McDonald’s, all of it. I just had to cut it all out. I was 21 years old eating like a child. So, just being at a pro level, you can’t eat like that because you come out here and feel it.”

Jordan caught 20 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns in his nine games as a rookie, two of which he started. If the 6-3, 245-pounder is going to make progress in year two, Jordan knows he can’t continue to have the same routines.

“I didn’t gain any weight, but I definitely feel like I’ve lost body fat,” said Jordan. “We do scans and stuff all the time, just leaning out. I’ve got abs now. I’m doing something. I’ve got abs, but last time I had abs I want to say I was in seventh grade when I played basketball. Now I’ve got them a little bit. I can go to the pool and flex them a little bit.”

In addition to gaining abs, Jordan is also gaining knowledge of his position and how it relates to the overall scheme of new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton.

“I would say my knowledge of the game, just being able to read coverages,” said Jordan. “My whole goal this offseason was to get bigger, faster, stronger, just being a complete tight end. That’s what I’ve been working on the whole offseason.”

Texans TE Brevin Jordan qualifies as second-year breakout candidate

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan made Pro Football Focus’ list of potential second-year breakout candidates.

The Houston Texans’ five-man 2021 draft class has a chance to prove general manager Nick Caserio right.

Third-round quarterback Davis Mills and third-round receiver Nico Collins can ignite the passing game. Fifth-round linebacker Garret Wallow can become a special teams ace and excel in coverage on defense. Sixth-round defensive tackle Roy Lopez can build upon his success along the defensive line’s interior.

However, there is only one of the five who is a breakout candidate.

According to Michael Renner from Pro Football Focus, fifth-round tight end Brevin Jordan, who caught 20 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns last year, comes in at No. 12 on their list of potential second-year breakout candidates.

What we did see from him, though, was an ability to create after the catch, a trait that’s becoming more and more coveted at the tight end position with the way modern offenses are trending. Jordan broke four tackles on those 20 catches and averaged 5.0 yards after the catch per reception.

The Miami product was always a player who was going to need some seasoning, as he was only 20 years old on draft day. Considering he was playing close to a starter workload by the end of last season, as well as the Texans’ limited number of receiving options, Jordan will have every opportunity to break out in 2022.

Jordan will have the advantage of playing for offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, who deploys a tight end friendly offense. The 6-3, 245-pounder will have ample opportunity to showcase his talent and capitalize on plays designed for him.

Mills told reporters on June 14 during mandatory minicamp that he was enthused to work with Jordan as they go into their second NFL season together.

“He’s looked good obviously,” said Mills. “Showed some big-time play-making ability at the end of the last year and he still brings that into this year. We’re excited to see what he can do.”

If Jordan is breaking out in his second season, it can only mean that Mills is having a successful season, too.

4 Texans poised for a breakout season in 2022

Here are four potential breakout candidates for the Houston Texans this season.

Every season provides an opportunity for unknown players to emerge from the shadows and make a name for themselves throughout the NFL season.

The Houston Texans have players with plenty of potential, but have yet to manifest it consistently throughout their burgeoning careers.

Here are four breakout candidates for the Texans in 2022 — players who have a chance to stake their claim as cornerstones on the roster throughout the rest of their rookie contracts.

Davis Mills is too easy of a candidate and won’t be included. If Houston is competitive and winning at least six games, Mills will have broken out in some measure.

Texans QB Davis Mills acknowledges challenges of the 2021 draft class

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills knows the challenge that lies ahead for his 2021 draft classmates as they enter their second season.

NORCROSS, Ga. — The Houston Texans’ 2021 draft class is in an interesting position entering their second year.

Rarely does one see an NFL draft class as small as only five selections, especially on a rebuilding team. Even more rarely are all five of those players projected to start during their second year in the league. However, that’s exactly the case for this group.

Nico Collins is expected to start at boundary receiver across from Brandin Cooks, Roy Lopez at the nose tackle, Brevin Jordan at tight end, and of course Davis Mills under center. Even Garret Wallow, largely relegated to special teams last season, has been the talk of Houston’s defense this summer and is expected to make a strong push to start at the strong side linebacker position.

It’s been a relatively fairytale story for a draft class that was muddled in surround controversy last off-season. When the five were selected, the Texans were in the midst of a PR battle regarding their hiring of Nick Caserio, the retention of executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby, and the trade request of Deshaun Watson.

The season evolved into a 4-12 campaign that included the shocking revelation of 24 sexual assault allegations against Watson that, in collaboration with his trade request, forced the quarterback out for the season. Coach David Culley, who was also a rookie, was fired after one season and replaced by defensive coordinator Lovie Smith.

Needless to say, the rookie class has been through a lot and at the “The Davis Mills Quarterback Challenge,” Mills acknowledged the struggles that they’ve been through.

I think we’re a really tight class. Obviously, we came in and we only had a five-man draft class. We went through a lot together and had to go through some tough experiences as rookies. I think the team has done a really great job and we’ve done a great job ourselves in trying to become the players we want to be.

Not every rookie class has to go through their head coach being fired, much less all the other controversy that surrounded the Houston Texans in the past calendar year. However, it would appear the team has come out all the better for it.

Mills, in conjunction with his fellow 2021 classmates, will need to be foundational blocks of their respective units if Houston wants to improve next season. They’ve put the work in and persevered through the adversity, and the upcoming season will bear the results.

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Texans may not have much to offer in fantasy football in 2022

The Houston Texans’ skill positions may not have much to offer for fantasy players in 2022.

The Houston Texans are projected to win around four games in 2022. The Texans also have the 19th-hardest schedule in the NFL this year. The club’s 21st regular season may not be the one they turn it all around and return to the playoffs.

Part of the problem is the Texans lack any elite talent on offense. Even before the Texans took immense measures in the 2017 NFL draft to address quarterback, receiver DeAndre Hopkins was a solid fantasy option. Starting in 2021, the Texans’ roster has been devoid of any decent fantasy options — at least when it comes to season-long fantasy.

Expect 2022 to be more of the same on that front.

According to Ian Hartitz from Pro Football Focus, the Texans don’t have a single player that cracks his top-25 at their respective positions.

Davis Mills enters his second season at quarterback, and ranks No. 28 on Hartitz’s list of quarterbacks.

The two running backs Hartitz lists are fourth-round rookie Dameon Pierce (No. 37) and former Colts running back Marlon Mack (No. 64). Curiously Rex Burkhead does not make the list.

For receiver, Brandin Cooks is the highest-rated at No. 29. John Metchie is No. 61 despite being a second-round rookie coming off an ACL injury during conference championship weekend in the Power 5. Nico Collins is No. 90.

Brevin Jordan, the second-year tight end from Miami, is No. 29 in Hartitz’s rankings.

Cooks was the one consistent player in 2021 as he caught 90 passes for 1,037 yards and six touchdowns through 16 games — good for 141.8 fantasy points throughout the season.

It isn’t that the Texans lack players who can have a great game, but the consistency remains a big reason why Houston doesn’t have a player to send beyond the threshold. When fantasy drafts roll around, Houston may not have anything substantive to offer. However, their players may be adequate fill-ins from the waiver wire throughout the season.

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