Head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans swapped out one contributor for another in their latest roster shakeup ahead of facing the Los Angeles Chargers on the road in Week 17, including with a familiar face in Alijah Huzzie.
Houston’s decision on Huzzie comes amid an unfortunate development for one of his veteran teammates, though.
It is just the latest challenge facing the Texans as the regular season draws to a close.
Texans Add Alijah Huzzie for Chargers Game
GettyAlijah Huzzie of North Carolina speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Texans announced via their official website on December 25 that they “signed the following player to the active roster from the practice squad,” naming Huzzie. He is a rookie undrafted free agent who has been yo-yo’d between the roster, free agency, and Houston’s practice squad.
Huzzie, who played in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders, created buzz before the draft.
“CB Alijah Huzzie has been one of the standout DBs over the last two @ShrineBowl practices imo,” Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema posted in January, noting a “Nice rep” against LaJohntay Wester, now of the Baltimore Ravens, in which the Texans DB “Didn’t panic in trail and recovered for the PBU.”
Injuries prevented him from making an impression on the field. Still, Huzzie’s inside-out versatility is a valuable asset for a Texans team stricken with injuries in the secondary.
Starters Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter have both been banged up.
The Texans have had to move nickelback Jalen Pitre to his natural safety spot because of injuries there. And rookie third-round draft pick Jaylin Smith has already been placed on injured reserve and is out for the season.
Myles Bryant has taken over at nickel, with the Texans also rostering Ameer Speed, Ja’Marcus Ingram, and Tremon Smith, all of whom are primarily special teamers and perimeter players.
That could mean Huzzie is in line for his first defensive snaps for the Texans.
“Huzzie is short-armed with a compact build and plenty of play strength,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote pre-draft. “He lacks ideal measurables but is tough, athletic and experienced on special teams, which gives him a chance to find a roster spot as a backup nickelback.”
Texans Lose Jake Hansen After Extension
GettyJake Hansen #49 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
“The Houston Texans have placed the following player on the Reserve/Injured list,” the team said later in the release. In that instance, they named linebacker and special teams ace Jake Hansen.
Hansen is another former UDFA, who is in his fourth season in the NFL, all with the Broncos.
He has played in 56 games and has drawn four starts in his career. He appeared in all 15 of the Texans’ games this season, entering Week 17. Hansen also signed a one-year, $2.7 million extension with the Texans in November.
His absence creates a clearer path for Huzzie to see more playing time on special teams for the Texans against the Chargers than he has in weeks past.
Hansen will be eligible to return after four games, including two in the postseason.
The Texans rank 11th in yards allowed per kick return and 17th in the same metric on punts, per Pro Football Reference. Hansen was a staple on both units, leading the Texans with a 76.7% snap share.
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