The Houston Texans shuffled their roster in the wake of their “Sunday Night Football” win over the Kansas City Chiefs, adding someone first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley knows well in Cody Schrader.
Adding Schrader was one of two moves the Texans made on the day as they await further clarity on some noteworthy statuses later this week.
His familiarity with Caley’s system could help him assimilate quickly.
Texans Sign Former Jaguars, Rams RB Cody Schrader
GettyCody Schrader #32 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a run against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Texans announced that they “claimed the following player via waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars,” naming Schrader, via their official website on December 8.
Schrader is in his second NFL season.
After he went undrafted free agent in 2024, Schrader initially signed with the San Francisco 49ers. The Los Angeles Rams claimed him. It was in LA that Schrader played for Caley, who was the Rams’ pass game coordinator and tight ends coach last season.
Schrader has played in two regular-season games in his career, both with the Rams, including one his season.
He has one carry for 3 yards and one reception for 6 yards across both appearances.
“Ornery and competitive, Schrader’s story arc reads like a Hollywood movie. The sixth-year senior dominated at Truman State before walking on at Missouri and showing he could shine against SEC competition,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in 2024.
“A stocky short-strider lacking ideal explosiveness but is still a successful outside-zone back due to his vision, decisiveness and fearlessness through the line. He’s a volume back more likely to wear a defense down rather than gash them with chunk runs and is a capable pass protector against the blitz. Teams need to weigh the heavy production against average physical tools, but he appears to have a decent shot of becoming an RB2/3 with three-down ability.”
Schrader is an intriguing addition for the Texans’ RB room, but also one they may have made out of necessity.
The Texans picked Schrader up for the remainder of his one-year, $2 million contract.
Texans Await Word on Nick Chubb, Woody Marks
GettyWoody Marks #27 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans.
The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren pointed to the uncertainty around Texans running backs Nick Chubb and Woody Marks to explain Schrader’s arrival at what is a late stage in the regular season.
“Schrader is likely assurance with Woody Marks and Nick Chubb getting banged up last night,” Warren posted on X on December 8.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that they are in a wait-and-see mode on both.
Chubb exited the contest during the second quarter, and the Texans ruled him out with a rib injury in the third after initially deeming him questionable to return. Marks exited on a hard hit in the red zone during the fourth quarter.
The Texans turned to veteran special teamer Dare Ogunbowale in their win over the Chiefs after Marks exited, and he watched as his substitute scored the game-sealing touchdown.
The Texans remain without Joe Mixon, who is on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
Their only other ball carriers on the roster before they claimed Schrader were tailback Jawhar Jordan, who is on the practice squad, and fullback British Brooks.
Texans Cut Ex-Raiders FB/TE Jakob Johnson
GettyJakob Johnson #45 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Texans’ other move was to accommodate Schrader’s arrival, with Houston announcing “waived the following player,” and naming veteran Jakob Johnson, who can play running back and tight end.
“Johnson could be a candidate to return to the practice squad if he clears waivers,” Warren noted in his post on the Texans’ roster moves.
Johnson has played in seven games for the Texans this season.
Schrader offers the Texans an option to give Chubb and Marks some rest during the week of practice. Schrader and the Texans are on the road in Week 15, facing one of his former NFC West Rivals, the Arizona Cardinals.
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