Houston Texans re-sign Joel Heath to fortify defensive line

The Houston Texans sign veteran defensive lineman Joel Heath back to the active roster for the final stretch of the regular season.

The Houston Texans addressed the vacant spot that was left on the defensive line with J.J. Watt ruled out for the rest of the season to have surgery to address a torn pectoral muscle. According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Texans signed Joel Heath to the 53 man roster, and he is expected to be ready to play if needed against the Baltimore Raven in Week 11.

Heath signed with the Texans after going undrafted in 2016 from Michigan State and has formed part of Houston’s defensive line every year he has been in the league. However, he was released before the start of the regular season with the Texans opting to carry rookie fifth-round draft selection, Charles Omenihu, on the roster.

Texans will be moving forward with Angelo Blackson, D.J. Reader, Brandon Dunn, Carlos Watkins, Omenihu, and Heath at the defensive line. Heath’s signing won’t fix the fact the Texans are losing an elite defender in Watt, but defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will be betting on playing sound fundamental football with their current group of lineman in the trenches.

Heath’s knowledge of the Texans’ defense is a plus, and he is capable of being a solid defender in the rotation. Having played in 30 games in his career, Heath has 34 tackles and three sacks in his last three seasons in Houston.

Texans waived offensive tackle Dan Skipper for the transaction to be completed, which is a clear sign that they expect their starting offensive line to be ready for Week 11.