The Houston Texans have made a late-season move to reinforce their defensive front, signing a defensive tackle to the practice squad ahead of Week 16 of the 2025 season. The decision comes after a significant blow to the interior defensive line, with both Tim Settle Jr. and Mario Edwards Jr. suffering season-ending injuries.
With depth suddenly thinning at a critical position, the Texans moved quickly to add a player who could stabilize the rotation and provide insurance as the team pushes toward the playoffs. The front office prioritized familiarity and scheme fit, knowing there is little time for long-term development at this stage of the season.
That player is Marcus Harris, a defensive tackle who already knows Houston well. Harris was originally selected by the Texans in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 247th overall pick and participated in the team’s 2024 offseason program. He was released before Week 1, then spent time working out with the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills before ultimately returning to Houston.
The DT Marcus Harris has been signed to the practice squad.
— Sedice Texans (@SediceT) December 17, 2025
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 295 pounds, Harris brings size and system familiarity to a defensive line that suddenly needs rotational support. He has experience in head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defensive structure, allowing him to step back into the building without a lengthy adjustment period.
At the moment, Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai remain the primary interior defensive linemen, but the overall depth has been stretched thin. Harris gives the coaching staff a flexible option and a potential rotational piece as the workload increases late in the season.
Harris has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game, having spent his career on practice squads. Still, he remains eligible to be elevated to the 53-man roster during the final three weeks of the season if the Texans need additional interior strength on game days.
The move reflects Houston’s broader roster strategy during this playoff push. The Texans have already found success elevating players from the practice squad this season, most notably running back Jawhar Jordan, who was called up and delivered a 100-plus-yard rushing performance.
Now sitting at 9-5, the Texans continue to show they are willing to make calculated depth moves to protect their momentum. It may not be a headline-grabbing signing, but it is another reminder that Houston is preparing for January with intention and discipline. This is Texans football, and Texans Nation is very much alive. 🏈
