WATCH: Texans DE DeMarcus Walker sacks Cardinals QB Kyler Murray

Houston Texans defensive end DeMarcus Walker got a key sack on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in Week 7.

Houston Texans defensive end DeMarcus Walker was able to corral Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray for the second sack of the game.

Cornerback Desmond King told reporters on Oct. 21 that Murray, who can beat teams with his legs and his arm, needs to be kept in the pocket to have a chance to effectively neutralize him.

ā€œThatā€™s the thing about a duel threat quarterback, guy that can use his legs and his arms,” King said. “You have to keep these guys in the pocket. You canā€™t let them get out because it can get dangerous when a quarterback like him that knows how to move the pocket, get out of the pocket, and make plays and throws down the field. As long as we can keep him in the pocket and have guys in his face and us covering our man, I think weā€™ll be fine.ā€

Walker had 12 combined tackles heading into Week 7.

WATCH: Texans DE DeMarcus Walker records a safety against the Buccaneers

Houston Texans defensive end DeMarcus Walker got a safety against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third and final preseason game.

Houston Texans defensive end DeMarcus Walker added to the defense’s ability to score in the third and final preseason game.

Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium Saturday night, Walker fell on quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who was attempting to recover a bad snap in the end zone. Walker got a safety for the Texans, who trailed 13-2 late in the second quarter.

Walker told reporters on Aug. 19 that one of his favorite aspects of playing in the Texans’ defense was the ability to just play and not overthink.

Said Walker: “Technique-wise and just letting it go. Sort of taking the handcuffs off me and just letting me do certain actions. It’s a little different when you’re in an attack style defense (instead of) these last two years playing a read defense [in Denver].ā€

The Texans trailed 16-2 at halftime.

Texans DE DeMarcus Walker says new defense takes the ‘handcuffs’ off

Houston Texans defensive end DeMarcus Walker says that he doesn’t feel constrained playing in Lovie Smith’s defense.

Houston Texans defensive end DeMarcus Walker endorsed the new defense for 2021.

The Texans brought in Lovie Smith to convert from a 3-4 scheme, which they run since 2011, to a Tampa 2 scheme, which provides for defensive linemen to get upfield to harass the passer while stopping the run along the way.

Walker says that he likes the technique of the Tampa 2 and “just letting it go.”

“Sort of taking the handcuffs off me and just letting me do certain actions,” said Walker. “It’s a little different when you’re in an attack style defense (instead of) these last two years playing a read defense.ā€

Walker played a read defense with the Denver Broncos under coach Vic Fangio, who also deployed a 3-4 scheme.

Walker appreciates the approach Smith brings as a defensive coordinator.

Said Walker: “He’s bringing like a different approach that I haven’t seen in a long time. Hey, he’s letting the talent flourish, and that’s the type of coach I want.ā€

Smith doesn’t just turn the defensive linemen loose without any instructions. According to Walker, Smith is “very detailed.”

“He coaches everybody up, (heā€™ll) call everybody out,” Walker said. “The small things that you could just tell, just from his college background, you could tell he’s bringing it to the league.ā€

Texans sign LS Mitchell Fraboni, G Danny Isidora, other roster transactions

The Houston Texans made a total of four roster moves, including bringing back long snapper Mitchell Fraboni and signing guard Danny Isidora.

The Houston Texans announced a total of four roster transactions on Monday afternoon.

The first was to re-sign long snapper Mitchell Fraboni. The former Arizona State product was originally on the Texans’ offseason roster, but was released as camp started. Fraboni also took part in HUB Football’s “Camp,” which helps free agents get prepped for quality NFL workouts.

Houston also signed guard Danny Isidora. The former Kansas City Chiefs interior offensive lineman, who started one game for the AFC West club last season, will get a chance to keep his football career alive after being a Minnesota Vikings 2017 fifth-round pick, and then spending the 2019 season with the Miami Dolphins.

Defensive end DeMarcus Walker also came off of the physically unable to perform list.

The club waived linebacker Nate Hall.

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Breaking down DE DeMarcus Walker’s contract with the Texans

Take a look at Houston Texans defensive end DeMarcus Walker’s contract with the AFC South club.

The Houston Texans added to their edge defense with the signing of former Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Walker to a one-year contract.

Walker started four games among his 13 played for the Broncos in 2020, collecting 4.5 sacks, 18 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.

The former 2017 second-round pick from Florida State signed a one-year contract with the Texans worth $1.5 million. According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the contract includes a $300,000 signing bonus and a $1 million salary.

In the contract, $500,000 of that money is guaranteed for skill, injury, and salary cap. Walker also has a per game roster bonus up to $200,000, and he earns $11,764 per game that he is active.

The 6-4, 280-pound defensive end will cost the AFC South club $1.452 million against their salary cap. However, he should provide another pass rushing presence in new defensive coordinator Lovie Smith’s Tampa-2 scheme with a 4-3 front alongside Shaq Lawson.

Broncos place 2 players on injured reserve

The Broncos have placed two defenders on injured reserve.

The Denver Broncos have placed coverage linebacker Mark Barron (hamstring) and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker (calf) on injured reserve, according to the NFL’s transaction wire.

Barron and Walker will be eligible to return after three weeks.

After placing wide receiver Courtland Sutton (knee) and defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones (knee) on IR earlier this week, the Denver Broncos now have four open spots on the 53-man roster.

One of the open spots will go to quarterback Blake Bortles, who is expected to sign later this week after clearing COVID-19 testing. Another spot will likely go to practice squad outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka.

With Walker and Jones both on injured reserve, Denver will likely call up a defensive lineman from the practice squad. DeShawn Williams is the most likely candidate to get called up to the active roster.

If he is called up, Williams will join a defensive line rotation that includes Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell, Jurrell Casey and McTelvin Agim. The Broncos usually dress five defensive linemen on game days and they carried six d-linemen on the 53-man roster through the first two weeks of the season.

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Report: Broncos DL Dre’Mont Jones could miss up to 4 weeks

Broncos defensive linemen Dre’Mont Jones and DeMarcus Walker were injured during Sunday’s loss to the Steelers.

Denver Broncos defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones could be sidelined for up to four weeks after suffering a knee injury in Week 2, according to Brandon Krisztal of KOA Radio.

Broncos wide receiver (knee) will miss the rest of the season and quarterback Drew Lock (shoulder) will be sidelined for at least two weeks. The team is still waiting to learn the severity of defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker’s calf injury.

Before leaving Sunday’s game, Jones totaled one tackle. Walker failed to get on the stat sheet before his exit.

Walker was selected by the Broncos in the second round of 2017 NFL Draft out of Florida State. He has failed to live up to his early-round draft status, playing primarily as a rotational defensive lineman.

Jones was selected by Denver in the third round of last year’s draft out of Ohio State. He totaled 14 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a rookie last season.

With Walker and Jones banged up, the Broncos’ remaining defensive linemen are Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell, Jurrell Casey and McTelvin Agim.

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Broncos wait for test results after rash of injuries

Broncos quarterback Drew Lock will know more about the severity of his injury on Monday.

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The Broncos have been hit hard by injuries this year.

Outside linebacker Von Miller (ankle) will miss at least three months and running back Phillip Lindsay (toe) is expected to miss at least two games. Cornerback A.J. Bouye will miss at least three weeks.

This week, wide receiver Courtland Sutton (shoulder) returned to action but left Sunday’s game against the Steelers with knee pain and cramps. Defensive linemen DeMarcus Walker (calf) and Dre’Mont Jones (knee) also left Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh and neither of them returned.

Denver’s quarterback, Drew Lock, suffered the most notable injury. Lock could be sidelined for several weeks with a shoulder injury. Broncos coach Vic Fangio didn’t have an update on the QB’s status on Sunday afternoon.

“Theyā€™ll undergo some more tests once we get back, and weā€™ll have some answers then,” Fangio said. “I donā€™t have anything definite yet.ā€

Lock had a positive outlook despite wearing a cast.

ā€œWeā€™re going to take it day-by-day,” the QB said. “Iā€™m optimistic about it. Iā€™ll have it checked out tomorrow morning. Weā€™ll know more then.ā€

After Lock undergoes more testing on Monday, Denver should know more about the severity of his injury. If Lock has to miss games, Jeff Driskel will likely start in his place. Driskel went 18-of-34 for 256 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception in a 26-21 loss to the Steelers.

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Broncos players react to Patrick Mahomes’ big contract

“Iā€™m still broke compared to him,” Broncos cornerback Davontae Harris tweeted.

After the Kansas City Chiefs gave quarterback Patrick Mahomes a 10-year contract extension, several Denver Broncos players reacted to the news on Twitter. Mahomes could earn up to $503 million if he maxes out all the incentives in his new deal.

Broncos defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker said he was happy for his division rival and motivated (presumably to earn a big contract himself).

Denver rookie linebacker Justin Strnad shared a video meme after the news broke:

Broncos cornerback Davontae Harris shared several tweets about Mahomes’ record-breaking contract.

Harris also pointed out that fans shouldn’t think every football player earns anything close to what Mahomes will be paid.

Mahomes will earn an average of $45 million per season, according to Spotrac.com. Harris will earn $750,000 this season and he has earned $1,283,515 through two years in the NFL so far.

Denver is scheduled to host Mahomes in Week 7 this season (Oct. 25) and then travel to play the Chiefs on the road in Week 13 (Dec. 6). The team’s complete regular season schedule can be seen here.

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Denver Broncos depth chart prediction: Defensive line

Which defensive linemen will make the Broncos’ 53-man roster this year?

As we continue our 2020 depth chart prediction series for the Denver Broncos, today weā€™re going to be looking at the defensive line.

Previously, we predicted theĀ QB,Ā RB, TE,Ā WR and OL depth charts.

DE NT DE
Shelby Harris Mike Purcell Jurrell Casey
Dre’Mont Jones McTelvin Agim DeMarcus Walker
Joel Heath Kyle Peko Christian Covington
Jonathan Harris

It’s pretty easy to predict the Broncos’ starting lineup. Harris and Purcell will likely keep their starting spots and Casey will presumably fill the role previously held by Derek Wolfe. It’s the backup spots that are undetermined.

Jones and Walker figure to serve as important rotational pieces and Agim is essentially a lock to make the team after being selected in the third round of April’s draft.

Last year, Denver carried six defensive linemen on the initial 53-man roster. If that’s the case again in 2020, Covington and Heath might only make the team if one of the team’s top six defensive linemen suffers an injury this summer. Peko and Harris figure to be longshots as well.

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