Houston Texans re-sign Steven Mitchell Jr. to bolster injured offense

The Houston Texans are addressing injuries to their offense by re-signing Steven Mitchell Jr. to the active roster.

The Houston Texans re-signed Steven Mitchell Jr. to the active roster for his second stint after being with Houston in his rookie season. He was promoted last season after being in the practice squad to form part of the depth chart with Will Fuller and Demaryius Thomas suffering season-ending injuries in 2018.

Mitchell Jr. played in Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars without recording a single reception, but his speed was on full display as he drew a pass interference penalty in the Jaguars’ secondary. Fuller’s recent hamstring injury against the Colts opened up the opportunity for Mitchell Jr. to return to the active roster for his second season.

Texans started the season with Vyncint Smith and Mitchell Jr. on the practice squad, but it made sense for Houston to promote MItchell Jr. with Smith signing to the New York Jets active roster. Mitchell Jr. could be active for this upcoming game against the Oakland Raiders with his second season in Texans’ offense and the possibility of contributing on special teams.

Veteran tight end Logan Paulsen was waived from the roster to open up a roster spot for the former undrafted USC receiver. Texans will be moving forward with two tight ends in Darren Fells and Jordan Akins in the offense.

Having only two tight ends on the roster opens up the possibility for the Texans recalling Jordan Thomas or Kahale Warring from the IR after spending the required eight weeks inactive.