Houston Texans

Notable Texans cut by the team on Saturday include: LB Xavier Adibi, LB Mister Alexander, DE Scooter Berry, SS Quintin Demps, WR Dorin Dickerson, LB Steven Friday, DE John Graves, TE Anthony Hill, WR Trindon Holliday, SS Shiloh Keo, LB Stanford Keglar, LB Matt Marcorelle, WR Jeff Maehl, DT Guy Miller, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, FB Zac Pauga, WR Derrick Townsel, RB Javarris Williams and S Torri Williams.

In the wake of rusher Arian Foster signing a new deal, there's been some speculation that the Texans might consider dealing running back Ben Tate. According to ESPNCleveland.com, the Browns have inquired. Tate missed his rookie year with a broken ankle but played well in 2011 behind Foster, totaling 942 rush yards, 98 receiving yards and four rushing touchdowns on 175 carries (5.4 average).

The Bucs, along with most of the NFL, made their final cuts on Saturday before the deadline. Among the casualties were RB Armando Allen Jr., S Ahmad Black, QB Rudy Carpenter, QB Jonathan Crompton, WR Ed Gant, TE Daniel Hardy, S Dominique Harris, LB Brandon Heath, LB Simoni Lawrence, RB Mossis Madu, DE Alex Magee, TE Nathan Overbay, WR Maurice Price (Injury Settlement), TE Ryan Purvis, FB/LB Nick Reveiz, K Jacob Rogers, LB Derrell Smith and DT Al Woods.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said that while quarterback Matt Schaub is improving on his rehab from a major foot injury, the team will not rush him back on the field. "If we're not paying attention, he'll do everything, but we're not going to let him do that," Kubiak said. "We're going to put the reins on him, so to speak. He will do drill work, could throw some 7-on-7, but he will not be put in a team environment where he might get tripped up or something like that happens. He's ready to go. It's us being cautious with him right now."

Foot - Probable for start of training camp

The Chicago Bears cut a pair of first-day draft picks in the 2007 NFL Draft in DE Dan Bazuin and LB Michael Okwo on Saturday. Among the other cuts to get the roster down to 53 players were: DE Ervin Baldwin, CB Trey Brown, DE Joe Clermond, WR Mike Hass, LB Joey LaRocque, TE Fontel Mines, DE Nick Osborn, S Leonard Peters, RB P.J. Pope, WR Brandon Rideau and TE Marcus Stone.

Texans DB Danieal Manning had surgery Monday to fix his left fibula, which was injured in Week 7 against the Titans. He is out at least four weeks. "We think there’s an opportunity for him to come back this year. We'd love to get him back before this season’s over," coach Gary Kubiak said of Manning. Troy Nolan moves into the starting lineup at free safety with Manning sidelined.

The Texans couldn't overcome three interceptions thrown by QB T.J. Yates in a 20-13 Divisional playoff loss to the Ravens on Sunday. The final interception proved to be the most costly as Yates was driving Houston for the game-tying score with 2 minutes left, but his deep pass intended for Andre Johnson was picked off by Ed Reed at Baltimore's 4-yard line. Yates completed 17 of 35 passes for 184 yards.

Texans DL Connor Barwin collected a sack in Week 15 against the Panthers, raising his season's total to 10.5. He also recorded three tackles in the game.

The Houston Texans signed the following players to their practice squad on Sunday: LB Kevis Coley, WR Darnell Jenkins, DT Gabe Long, DE Jesse Nading, CB Derrick Roberson, WR Mark Simmons and RB Darius Walker. Also, the team signed DE Stanley McClover from the Carolina Panthers off waivers.

Texans DB Danieal Manning, who recently returned from a three-game absence for a broken fibula, was the team's leading tackler Week 14 at Cincinnati. He finished with 11 tackles, including eight solo.

The Texans and linebacker Bradie James have agreed to terms, according to the Houston Chronicle. James re-unites with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips; the two worked together in Dallas.

The Texans have traded linebacker DeMeco Ryans to the Eagles for a fourth-round draft choice in 2012, opening the door for third-year linebacker Darryl Sharpton to get the first crack at starting in his place. Sharpton and Ryans rotated based on down and distance last season, but Sharpton's season was cut in half when a torn quad sidelined him for the year. Sharpton has 46 total tackles and a sack in limited playing time over two seasons.

Quad - Probable for start of training camp

The Texans have signed kicker Shayne Graham to compete with rookie Randy Bullock, coach Gary Kubiak confirmed. Graham has kicked for the Patriots (12 for 12), Giants (0 for 0), Ravens (2 for 2) and Dolphins (4 for 5) over the last two seasons. He last spent a full season with the same team in 2009 when he made 23 of 28 field goals for the Bengals. "He's had some success in this league, and I think the competition will be good for them," Kubiak said. "I want to see them compete because it should bring out the best in them."

Texans DB Sherrick McManis recorded his first interception of the season in Week 5 against the Giants. McManis was also credited with a pass defended, but did not record a tackle in the 34-10 loss.

The Texans signed WR Jeff Maehl from their practice squad to the active roster on Tuesday. Maehl is expected to help Houston's depleted receiving corps and assists on special teams.

Texans DB Jonathan Joseph is a healthy inactive for Week 17's game against the Titans, according to multiple sources. Jason Allen will start in his place.

The Texans took Michigan State receiver Keshawn Martin with a fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft. The 5-foot-11, 181-pound Martin was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection after ranking second on the Spartans in receptions (66) and yards receiving (777) in 2011. He added 274 yards on punt returns and 30 yards on kick returns last year. "We like the way he plays," said Texans WR coach Larry Kirksey. "He's a dynamic player who we think can compete. He has RB skills like (Vikings WR) Percy Harvin."

The Steelers announced Thursday they have signed seven free agents, including S Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, who signed Wednesday. Also signed off the practice squad: WR Tyler Grisham, DE Sunny Harris, TE Eugene Bright, LB Chris Ellis and OT Kyle Jolly. Pittsburgh also added local product WR Wes Lyons, an undrafted free agent with the Jets last year.

The Texans have signed fourth-round pick Garrett Graham, a tight end out of Wisconsin. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Graham was selected with the 118th overall pick. Graham's 16 touchdown receptions for the Badgers were a school record for a tight end. He finished his college career with 121 catches for 1,492 yards and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a junior and senior.

The Texans signed DL Jesse Nading to the active roster Wednesday.

The Houston Texans cut WR Trindon Holliday on Tuesday and signed DB Quintin Demps to the active roster. Holliday was the team's sixth-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Speaking at a press conference announcing his contract extension Tuesday, Texans running back Arian Foster promised that the guaranteed money he was going to get won't change how he prepares or how he plays. "I have a huge obligation to my teammates and coaches, the organization and the fans who have supported me," he said. "I'm excited and grateful, but it's not going to affect the way I approach the game. I go into every season feeling like I have something to prove. What happened last season doesn't matter, but I will admit this takes the pressure off."

Texans DB Kareem Jackson recorded his first interception of the season Week 13 against the Falcons, picking off QB Matt Ryan in the first quarter. He also had three tackles, all solo.

Texans DB Glover Quin (head) was not listed among the inactives for Sunday of Week 1 against the Colts. He practiced in full all week.

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson disclosed Monday that he had offseason arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this month after hyperextending his knee in a late November game at Jacksonville last season. Johnson claims he didn't have any pain following the injury. He plans to participate in full during training camp this summer. "Nothing to panic about," Johnson said. "I had it two weeks ago. It was from a play that happened in the game against Jacksonville (in November). I hyperextended my (left) knee. It (was swollen). Got the swelling to calm down. I came back during offseason workouts, it (became swollen) again. We felt like the best thing to do was get it scoped, get it fixed."

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

Houston LB Brian Cushing registered a team-high eight tackles, including one for a loss, during the Texans' 31-10 victory over Cincinnati in the AFC Wild Card round on Saturday. It was the sixth time this season Cushing has posted at least eight stops in a single game.

The Texans promoted LB Mister Alexander to the roster on Tuesday. He had been on the practice squad.

Houston WR Kevin Walter has been dealing with a quadriceps injury, but was able to lead his team in receiving yards versus Indianapolis in Week 16. Walter got the start in place of the injured Andre Johnson. Walter caught all three passes thrown his way for 47 yards. The Texans ended up losing the game, 19-16, however.

Notable Vikings players let go on Saturday include: TE Jeff Dugan, LB Heath Farwell, DE Stylez G. White, DE David Akinniyi, WR Emmanuel Arceneaux, FB Matt Asiata, WR Stephen Burton, DB Tony Carter, RB Tristan Davis, FB Ryan D'Imperio, LB David Herron, DB Ryan Hill, LB Ross Homan, WR Juaquin Iglesias, WR Jaymar Johnson, DT Tremaine Johnson, RB Caleb King, DE Cedric McKinley, DB Cord Parks, RB Alexander Robinson and DB Devon Torrence.

Texans LB Brooks Reed totaled eight tackles (six solo) and 2 1/2 sacks during a 20-13 Divisional playoff loss to the Ravens on Sunday. He also had one forced fumble. Reed had 3 1/2 sacks in two playoff games.

Buffalo released LB Alvin Bowen on Tuesday. They signed rookie LB Marcus Freeman, who was drafted in the 5th round by Chicago.

The Sports Xchange notes Texans defensive end Tim Jamison came off the bench against Baltimore in Week 7 and played inside. He registered his first two sacks of the season. One forced a fumble that he recovered to set up a touchdown. "It's a crying shame we didn't win because Timmy probably would've been our player of the game," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He had a chance for another sack and slipped. When I watch him, I see a young Antonio (Smith). He played the most he's played this season, and he played his best. We're going to see more of him."

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said the James Casey will primarily play fullback, but that he'll also see time at tight end in their two-TE sets. "He's going to play everywhere," Kubiak said. "He's our starting fullback today; he's our starting 'Tiger' today if we go to two (tight ends), so James is going to play all over the place. It's still about versatility with James, so that really hasn't changed."

Texans rookie DL Earl Mitchell recorded the first sack of his career Week 15 at Tennessee. It was his only tackle.

The Houston Texans have signed free agent linebacker Tim Dobbins. He was cut by the Dolphins on Monday.

Houston DB Brice McCain picked off Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman on Sunday of Week 10 in a win for the Texans. McCain finished the game with two tackles. The INT was the second of the season for McCain.

The Texans spent all but two picks on the defensive side of the ball in April's draft, and they selected three players to help in their porous secondary. Miami CB Brandon Harris (Round 2), Virginia Tech CB Rashad Carmichael (Round 4) and Idaho SS Shiloh Keo (Round 5) were added to a rebuilding Texans defense. The 5-foot-9, 191-pound Harris started 32 games for Miami and intercepted four balls and broke up 28 passes in three seasons with the Hurricanes. Carmichael deflected 16 passes and intercepted nine in his college career. Keo intercepted 11 passes and made 358 tackles in 55 career games at Idaho. He also returned kicks in college, and set a school record with 585 punt-return yards.

The Chicago Tribune reports that FB Jason Davis was signed off the Bears' practice squad by the Raiders on Monday, according to his agent.

Notable Texans cut by the team on Saturday include: LB Xavier Adibi, LB Mister Alexander, DE Scooter Berry, SS Quintin Demps, WR Dorin Dickerson, LB Steven Friday, DE John Graves, TE Anthony Hill, WR Trindon Holliday, SS Shiloh Keo, LB Stanford Keglar, LB Matt Marcorelle, WR Jeff Maehl, DT Guy Miller, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, FB Zac Pauga, WR Derrick Townsel, RB Javarris Williams and S Torri Williams.

Texans DL Shaun Cody had his most productive game of the year in Week 6 against the Chiefs. He recorded five solo tackles and assisted on four more in the 35-31 win. Among his nine tackles was one for a loss.

Texans TE Owen Daniels managed two catches for 26 yards in a 20-13 Divisional playoff loss to the Ravens on Sunday. He was targeted three times.

The Texans have signed kicker Shayne Graham to compete with rookie Randy Bullock, coach Gary Kubiak confirmed. Graham has kicked for the Patriots (12 for 12), Giants (0 for 0), Ravens (2 for 2) and Dolphins (4 for 5) over the last two seasons. He last spent a full season with the same team in 2009 when he made 23 of 28 field goals for the Bengals. "He's had some success in this league, and I think the competition will be good for them," Kubiak said. "I want to see them compete because it should bring out the best in them."

The Texans added another pass rusher in the fourth round, taking Nebraska defensive end Jared Crick. The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Crick made 22 tackles, including three for loss, in an injury-shortened 2011 season. He finished in Nebraska's top in career sacks (20), even after tearing a chest muscle in the sixth game of his final year.The injury dropped Crick, who began the season as a possible late first-round pick, down the boards.

The Texans placed DB Dominique Barber (undisclosed) on injured reserve Wednesday and promoted DB Shiloh Keo to the active roster.

The Texans signed undrafted rookie quarterback Case Keenum, and he might have a chance to make the final roster. Keenum set several NCAA, conference and school records and left the University of Houston as the all-time Football Bowl Subdivision leader in passing yards (19,217) and touchdown passes (155). He'll battle for the No. 3/emergency QB job in camp this summer. "I spent some time with him in Indianapolis (at the Scouting Combine), obviously, and then I watched him go from there to his workout," coach Gary Kubiak said. "And then when I spent time with him at our workout, I was just so impressed with how far he had come in a month. I know some guys that have coached him; I know Kliff (Kingsbury, former University of Houston offensive coordinator) very well, and I just think he fits what we do. He can move, he's smart. It's a good fresh start for him. I know he's disappointed not getting drafted, but it may work out well for him, so we're looking forward to it."

Texans DL Antonio Smith padded his sack total in the season's final week, as he recorded two sacks in a Week 17 loss to the Titans. He finished the regular season with 6.5 sacks. Smith also recorded two tackles in the game.

The Houston Texans have re-signed free agent safety Quintin Demps. The 5-foot-11, 206-pound Demps had a career year with Houston last season with 22 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defended in nine games. He also returned five kickoffs for 169 yards (33.8 average), including a 50-yarder against Carolina, the longest by a Texans player last season.

Houston picked Ohio State receiver DeVier Poseywith a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Posey caught only 12 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns in three games last year, forced to serve two five-game suspensions for taking improper benefits (he totaled 60 catches for 828 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore). Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison says Houston felt confident about Posey's character after an extensive background check. "He made a mistake," Dennison said. "We all checked with whoever we could and we all felt pretty comfortable that it was a mistake he made, he worked hard and still went to practice the entire year, even though he only played a few games. He made a mistake and he learned from that."

Looking for another pass rusher and more linebacker depth, the Texans selected Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus with the 26th overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night. The 6-foot-3, 261-pound Mercilus is an early-entry junior who only started for one season in college, but he led the nation in sacks (16) and forced fumbles (8). He earned All-Big Ten honors and won the 2011 Ted Hendricks award. "He's a smart player, he's athletic, he's tough," Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. "You want those high-motor guys, but you want them to have that kind of ability." Phillips said if Mercilus would've stayed in school, he would've been a Top-10 pick in next year's draft. Mercilus says he's ready to contribute immediately, despite his relatively light experience. "I answer that criticism as I just became more of a student of the game," Mercilus said. "Definitely, when I got my opportunity, I made the most of it. Instead of being behind a starter, who was ahead of me in my last years, 2009 and 2010, once I got my opportunity, I was able to make the most of it and just shine through."

The Texans signed quarterback John Beck, the Houston Chronicle reported. Beck has started seven of the nine games he has played in during his five-year career with the Dolphins and Redskins, yet is winless as a starter. Beck provides a veteran buffer behind Matt Schaub and T.J. Yates and will likely compete with rookie free agent Case Keenum for the third spot.

Texans rookie CB Roc Carmichael will be sidelined for about a week with a sprained shoulder sustained on Sunday. "He should be back ready to compete in camp," said coach Gary Kubiak of the rookie fifth-rounder from Virginia Tech.

Texans DL J.J. Watt totaled 12 tackles (nine solo) and 2 1/2 sacks during a 20-13 Divisional playoff loss to the Ravens on Sunday. He had 3 1/2 sacks, one interception and one touchdown in two playoff games.

The Texans opened their OTAs with second-year receiver Lestar Jean working with the first-team offense. Jean did not play in 2011 after suffering a shoulder injury late August.