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Texans Finalize 53-Man Roster

With cuts due this afternoon, the Texans made theirs official. This includes all-time punter great Shane Lechler, which surfaced on Friday.

The Texans also released Joe Webb, thinning out their quarterback room to just Deshaun Watson and Brandon Weeden.

Houston will begin its season without the services of backup running back D’Onta Foreman as well. Still recovering from his season-ending injury sustained in November of last year, Foreman will begin the season on the Texans’ Reserve/PUP list. He won’t be eligible to play until after Week 6.

As for the rest of Houston’s Saturday roster decisions, here’s who will not appear on the 53-man group to start the season:

Released:

Waived:

Waived with an injury designation:

Released with injury settlements

Placed on Reserve/Non-Football Illness list

Texans Cut WR Braxton Miller

The Texans cut a boatload of players on Friday, allowing them to inch closer to the 53-man max. Here’s the rundown, with all links going to Twitter unless noted otherwise:

Miller is the biggest name of the bunch, but his release does not come as a huge surprise. The former third-round pick out of Ohio State has posted a grand total of 34 catches for 261 yards and two scores over the last two years, and he failed to really stand out in the preseason.

Will Fuller, Bruce Ellington and fourth-round pick Keke Coutee seem likely to make the cut behind star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and it remains to be seen whether Houston will carry five or six receivers in total.

Texans Add 13 UDFAs

The Texans are the latest team to unveil their post-draft free agent haul. Here’s their 13-man contingent:

Malone is the son of NBA legend Karl Malone. The 6-foot-4 K.J. Malone played left tackle at LSU but will evidently be tried at guard initially as a pro. The Texans are listing Coyle as a guard as well despite the Fordham-honed prospect playing tackle in college.

Houston re-signed Shane Lechler, so it’s unlikely, barring something extraordinary, Daniel has a path to the 53-man roster. Coleman and Swanson will battle for a role behind Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman. The Texans did not draft a running back, but they re-signed Alfred Blue this offseason and have Troymaine Pope and Tyler Ervin on their 90-man roster.

Interestingly, the only Division II player in this group will collect the most bonus money. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (Twitter link) Smith signed for a $35K — comprised of a $10K signing bonus and a $25K base salary guarantee. Jones-Smith will collect $22K ($10K signing bonus, $12K base guarantee), and Swanson will earn $21K guaranteed ($15K guaranteed base and $6K signing bonus), per Wilson (Twitter links).