The Texans have to make cuts this week and get their roster down to 53 players by Sunday. Right now, they are deciding which five will be let go in the first round – a decision general manager Rick Smith must announce by 5 pm on Tuesday.
It's almost a given that cornerback Dunta Robinson immediately will be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) so he doesn't count towards the active roster. All other personnel should have the front office agonizing around the clock.
At running back, Darius Walker looked like a distant memory in the first two preseason games. But Walker hasn't had any health issues, and the coaches haven't forgotten that he was the team's second leading rusher last year even though he only played in four games. Recently, Chris Brown has been the odd man out. He missed several weeks of preseason practices with a sore back and played in only one preseason game. Smith likes Brown, but it could be hard for him to keep another injury-prone veteran back.
Cornerback is another interesting position. Fred Bennett and Jacques Reeves are the starters. The coaches see a lot of promise in third-round draft pick Antwaun Molden, so his job should be secure. But there has been a rotating door of backups who have stepped up to make plays in nickel, most recently DeMarcus Faggins against Dallas. Jamar Fletcher was called the surprise of camp by coach Gary Kubiak. And Derrick Roberson and Dexter Wynn have looked solid in coverage. Still, someone has to go.
Cornerback and running back were the weakest positions for the Texans last season because of injuries to Robinson and Ahman Green. Making cuts at both positions will be difficult for the team's brass and interesting for all those watching.
