Houston Texans: Dylan Cole back on active roster

The Houston Texans have announced that Dylan Cole is back on the active roster.

The Houston Texans defense continues to get better with inside linebacker, Dylan Cole, returning to the active roster. Cole is back on the roster after being placed on the three-week window for him to practice on the team. He proved to be healthy enough to play to return to the team after having to sit for eight weeks since being placed on the injury reserved list.

Cole was placed on the IR after injuring his wrist against the New York Giants in Week 3. The Texans missed his presence as he was a valuable contributor in nickel/dime defensive packages. With Cole returning back to health, the Texans have another linebacker besides Zach Cunningham that can drop back in pass coverage with receivers and running backs.

The Texans had to make a subsequent move with the return of Cole, so they announced that they released inside linebacker, Josh Keyes. He was signed with the team prior to Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins. Keyes played sparingly and struggled to bring the momentum he showed in the preseason with the Texans. Keyes played in three games with the Texans and had five combined tackles in his short stint with the Texans. The Texans PR announced the move via their official Twitter account:

The Texans inside linebacker position have turned back into a position of strength on the defense as they have Benardrick McKinney, Cunningham, and Cole. The Texans defense will improve with the return of Cole as they’re ranked fifth in the league in points allowed with 20.2  points through 11 games.

Cole will eligible to return in Week 13 when the Cleveland Browns come to NRG Stadium to play the Texans as they made NFL and franchise history by winning eight consecutive games after starting 0-3.