HOUSTON – The Texans’ need for depth at defensive tackle is being filled from within their roster.
They are elevating defensive tackle Marlon Davidson, a former Atlanta Falcons second-round draft pick from Auburn, to the active roster from the practice squad, per league sources.
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The Texans later made this move official and elevated cornerback Alijah Huzzie from the practice squad.
Defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. is out for the season with a ruptured pectoral, further thinning the Texans’ defensive line depth, after previously losing Tim Settle Jr. and Foley Fatukasi.
The Texans’ starters are Sheldon Rankins, who has no injury designation and 2 1/2 sacks and one touchdown this season on a fumble recovery, and Tommy Togiai, who has a career-high 1 1/2 sacks and 44 tackles as the replacement for Settle.
Naquan Jones is the other defensive tackle in the rotation after joining the team off waivers last week from the Los Angeles Chargers. Denico Autry has the size and strength to kick inside from defensive end on passing downs.
Davidson, 27, has played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans.
He has played in 24 career games with four starts, recording 39 tackles, three for losses, two sacks and returned an interception of a Tom Brady pass in 2021 for a touchdown.
Edwards had played in every game for the 9-5 Texans, recording 13 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, two tackle for losses and four quarterback hits.
“Mario has done a great job for us all year,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s a steady player, consistent, brings great energy to our entire team, so really gonna miss his presence.
“He can fly around on gameday. He runs to the football with great effort, intent, really love what he brought to our unit. So, we’re missing him. We lost Tim Settle, losing Mario. It’s gonna be difficult to replace those guys.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com