The Houston Texans brought back a familiar face on the defensive line this week, signing Jaleel Johnson of the New Orleans Saints' practice squad. Johnson spent all of Training Camp presented by Xfinity with the Texans and was released when the roster was trimmed to 53 players.
Head Coach David Culley said he felt "very fortunate" to have Johnson back, especially after his performance in preseason, which included two fumble recoveries at Green Bay and his familiarity with the defense.
"He knows exactly what we're all about," Culley said. "Again, when we made the cut to be able to do what we did, we knew we were letting go of a guy that would be in this league and be playing. We're very fortunate right now with the situation with Vincent (Taylor) that we're able to get him back."
The Texans hope to add depth up front after DL Vincent Taylor was carted off with an ankle injury in Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Taylor underwent an MRI on Monday and was placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Wednesday.
Johnson, a fourth-round draft pick (109th overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft, played four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2017-2020). He recorded 87 total tackles (43 solo), nine tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits and one forced fumble in 53 career games with 20 starts.
The Texans will travel to Cleveland to face the Browns in Week 2. Kickoff is set for Sept. 19 at noon on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
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Check out the best photos as the Houston Texans take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
