Houston Texans Sign OT Ryan Harris, Fill Seven Spots on Practice Squad

In the immediate aftermath of league-wide release day, the Houston Texans have made several moves to sure up their roster for the 2012 season. First, the team signed former Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Harris. Additionally, the Texans have signed seven out of a maximum eight players to their practice squad, all players that spent the preseason with the team but were waived Friday. 

Harris was signed in an attempt to solidify the depth of their offensive line after losing backup RT Rashad Butler to a season ending triceps injury last Thursday night. A third-round draft pick in 2007, Harris has mostly served as a starting tackle for the Broncos, but injuries have slowed him some throughout his five NFL seasons. Harris will be looked upon to be a swing tackle, a backup who can sub in at either the left or right tackle positions should there be an injury.

The Texans have also filled in the majority of their practice squad. The list of familiar names includes QB Case Keenum, RB Jonathan Grimes, WR Jeff Maehl, TE Phillip Supernaw, DE David Hunter, LB Delano Johnson, and S Eddie Pleasant. The argument could be made that most of these guys had solid preseasons, but were roster casualties in what could be viewed as a numbers game. Should the Texans encounter a severe injury bug (as they did last season), any of these players could be signed and become full-time, active roster Texans. 

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