Troy

Nolan

Nolan did receive a $110,000 “signing” bonus to make up some of the difference, but ultimately the pay cut cost him $658,000. The $540K salary is also not guaranteed, so the Texans could pull the plug on Nolan after training camp if he’s outplayed by Torri Williams or Quintin Demps. Nolan held up well in three spot starts last season, but cost too much for a clear-cut backup.

Manning’s original timetable was 4-6 weeks after surgery to repair a fractured left tibia. He’s currently two weeks into rehab. Manning will get his starting job back from Troy Nolan when healthy, but it would be a best case scenario if he was able to return after the Texans’ Week 11 bye.

A former seventh-round pick, Nolan appeared in 30 games for the Texans the past two seasons, making 84 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three picks. He could see heavy snaps as the Dolphins revamp their secondary on the fly.

The move opened up a roster spot for LB Darryl Sharpton, who was activated from the PUP list. Nolan was the Texans’ fifth safety. He recorded nine total tackles in 106 defensive snaps this season.

Nolan spent 2010 and 2011 with the Texans, appearing in 30 games. He’s back thanks to Quintin Demps’ forearm fracture.

It’s another blow to a rejuvenated Texans defense, though for now Manning will avoid injured reserve. He’ll be replaced by Troy Nolan, whose play in Manning’s absence Sunday drew praise from coach Gary Kubiak. The Texans are entering a soft portion of their schedule, so they’re in good position to weather Manning’s absence as long as he doesn’t prove an exceptionally slow healer.

Starting free safety Chris Conte is in doubt for Week 17 due to a hamstring injury and Craig Steltz (pectoral) is on IR. Anthony Walters was forced to fill in opposite Major Wright after Conte went down last week.

Nolan had stints with the Texans, Dolphins and Bears last season, playing on just 106 defensive snaps. Entering his age-27 season, the former seventh-round pick is mere roster depth.

Tampa waived Nolan last week after signing him in late July. Nolan started seven games for the Texans between 2010-12, and appeared in eight games last season between the Texans, Dolphins, and Bears. Nolan is a long shot for the Bucs’ final safety spot, and is essentially a camp body.

Nolan is a so-so athlete (31.5" vertical, 4.62 forty), but picked off 10 passes in his last two years at Arizona State, returning four for pick sixes and scoring once on a fumble recovery. He’ll try to make the Texans as a gunner.