NFL Player News

Drafted as a defensive lineman in the seventh round last year, Jasper intrigued with uncommon athleticism for his 6-4, 374-pound frame, but spent only one week on the active roster after converting to guard. Still an interesting project, Jasper might get claimed on waivers and show up on a 2012 practice squad.

Nico Collins (concussion) was sidelined and Dalton Schultz (calf) soon joined him, but third-rounder Noel commanded only one target as C.J. Stroud turned his 47 attempts into just 20 completions and an unfathomable four interceptions. Unlike fellow Iowa State rookie Jayden Higgins, fellow 23-year-old Noel never took on a bigger role in the Texans’ offense after popping up for some 4-5 catch performances in late October/early November. He caught six total passes after Thanksgiving, including zero in the playoffs. With fellow slot man Christian Kirk headed to free agency, there’s still plenty of reason to believe Noel could be more involved in 2026, but he is looking like an average at best hold in shallower dynasty leagues.

With Nico Collins (concussion) out and Dalton Schultz (calf) soon joining him, Higgins took over as the Texans’ No. 1 pass catcher after playing second fiddle to Christian Kirk in the Wild Card Round. Although it was a disastrous day for the Texans’ passing attack, Higgins was indeed a “rare bright spot.” Although he was much more involved in the second half of the season than the first, Higgins did have a quiet stretch run as the Texans rode their defense to the postseason. The No. 34 overall pick still showed more than enough for fantasy managers to maintain optimism heading into Year 2 in Houston. Collins spends an unfortunate amount of time on the shelf, while Schultz has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract. Kirk is an impending free agent. Already with a 41/525/6 slash to his name, Higgins could end up a “surprising” 2026 WR2.

Making what was likely his final appearance as a Texan, Chubb was a ground-game afterthought despite Woody Marks’ ongoing ineffectiveness. Veteran deference made Chubb the Texans’ lead back to begin the season, but he was easily passed by Marks, who never surrendered No. 1 status despite ineffectiveness of his own. Now on the wrong side of 30 and simply out of gas, free-agent-to-be Chubb probably won’t land guaranteed money on the open market. The main things working in his favor at this point are his experience, leadership and aversion to fumbling.

After a two-year stint with the Texans from 2023 to 2024, PFF Bobby spent last season as the Dolphins’ passing game coordinator. Slowik burst on the scene with the Texans in 2023, leading the team to a 13th-ranked finish in points while also finishing 12th in total yards. He was fired following the 2024 season after the offense took a major step back and CJ Stroud regressed in his sophomore season, but Slowik is yet another branch of the Shanahan coaching tree, and should eventually earn another look as an offensive coordinator after some time off. The Eagles are the first team to request an interview, but it wouldn’t be surprising if more teams followed suit in the coming days.

Playing through a shoulder injury, Marks kept getting stood up on the inside as the Texans’ passing attack disintegrated into a turnover-marred disaster. The No. 116 overall pick of the draft, Marks easily passed veteran Nick Chubb on the depth chart but was slowed by ankle issues down the stretch. Highly inefficient, he churned up just 703 yards on 196 carries (3.6 YPC). He was just as uninspiring by more advanced metrics, finishing in the bottom third in NextGenStats’ “rush yards over expected.” Free agent Chubb will likely be gone for 2026, but 25-year-old Marks didn’t do enough to stave off draft or free agent additions. He will nevertheless be the favorite for lead duties, making him a decent enough RB2/3 in dynasty leagues.

Stover, who is the Texans’ primary “tush push” specialist, also added two rushes for six yards. He made some big plays in that department, but appeared to tear up his knee adjusting to an inaccurate fourth quarter C.J. Stroud attempt. It’s a brutal blow for the second-year fourth-rounder, as Dalton Schultz is heading into the final year of his contract, one with no guaranteed money. Now looking at an extended stay on the shelf after being limited to nine games in 2025 by a foot injury, Stover is a 26-year-old (in June) with 27 catches across 24 career games.

Douglas’ 28-yard score on the Patriots’ second series was his first since Nov. 2. He shed a tackle on a 4th-and-1 crosser and was off to the house. Douglas is just a role player in Josh McDaniels’ offense, but one who gets weekly looks. Considering the Broncos’ elite perimeter coverage, Douglas could be something of an AFC Championship Game X-factor over the middle of the field.

One of the Pats’ leading receivers in the Wild Card Round, Henry was a surprising afterthought against the Texans on an afternoon where it was tough sledding for both passing games. Always in the mix on the most important downs/situations, Henry will likely command some important targets in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Broncos.

Boutte’s score was an amazing, one-handed grab in Derek Stingley’s stingy coverage in the fourth quarter. Boutte caught the ball sliding in the end zone. It was an elite play on an afternoon where pass catchers weren’t exactly feeding the highlight reel. Once again stepping up as the Patriots’ primary deep threat with Mack Hollins (abdomen) sidelined, Boutte is a potential AFC Championship Game X-factor for the Pats’ westward trip to Denver.