11 Houston Texans players on bubble who must have a good game in preseason finale vs. Panthers

Texans wide receiver Jared Wayne (87) is vying for a 53-man roster spot and a good showing in Friday's preseason finale at Carolina could go a long way. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - For many players at the bottom end of the Houston Texans ' roster, Friday is their final chance to make a good impression on the coaching staff - or any coaching staff for that matter.

Because come Sunday, the rosters for all 32 teams will be cut down from 90 to 53.

There are several players who have continued to battle for roster spots all camp. And while Friday's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers won't be the ultimate deciding factor, it will play a part in coach DeMeco Ryans' and his staff's decision making.

Here are the 11 players to watch for in Friday's game at Bank of America Stadium:

WR Jared Wayne

Wayne had a big day in the joint practice against the Panthers, making multiple catches for first downs and showing how he's improved since he entered the league in 2023. If the Texans keep seven receivers, he could make the team. This game could go a long way toward determining whether they decide to keep six or seven.

Receiver Justin Watson (84) and cornerback Tremon Smith are among the players on the bubble looking to nail down a spot on the 53-man roster. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)

WR Justin Watson

Watson signed a two year deal in the 2025 offseason. But he missed most of last season with an injury. Watson hasn't made many splash plays throughout camp, but he's steady on special teams, which could help.

DE Solomon Byrd

Byrd has looked great on some plays, and has been out of position on other plays that have led to big gains. This will be his third year in Ryans' system. The first two were as a practice squad player. But with the rash of injuries at edge rusher, he certainly has a great chance to make the team, especially if Ryans keeps five edge rushers.

TEXANS AT PANTHERS

When: 6 p.m. Friday Where: Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, N.C. TV: ABC (in Houston market) Radio: 95.7 FM, 610 AM, 101.1 FM (Spanish)

CB Brandon Codrington

Codrington has made his mark throughout his career on special teams. He's been up and down but has made plays, including a forced fumble in the preseason opener against the Chargers. Ryans spoke highly of Codrington at a recent press conference.

"He flies around," Ryans said. "He plays with that ‘swarm' mindset. I love that about him. He's a smart player, small, undersized player, but he's going to bring everything he has."

LB Jake Hummel

Hummel looked great against the Chargers with two tackles for loss. But he missed a couple of tackles last week against the Raiders. It's been a mixed bag with Hummel. However, the Texans need the depth at linebacker after losing three to injury during camp. His special-teams ability will likely help him.

Jamal Hill is entering his third season with the Texans and if he makes the team, there could be opportunities after three other linebackers went down with injuries. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)

LB Jamal Hill

Hill is entering his third season, and has mostly spent time on the bottom half of the roster. He's made plays on special teams but hasn't cracked the lineup yet. During the preseason, he has mostly spent time with the third-team defense. But again, the Texans need the depth. And if they keep six linebackers, he has a good chance to make the team.

CB Alijah Huzzie

Huzzie has made plays throughout camp, including an interception of Davis Mills last week. He spent time on the 53-man roster during the playoffs, so there is some level of trust there from the Texans coaching staff.

G/C Jarrett Patterson

Patterson has been solid all camp, but the offensive line group is deep, which could put him on the outside looking in. Still, he has experience starting games, so that should count for something.

The fate of Naquan Jones might come down to how many defensive tackles Texans coach DeMeco Ryans opts to keep on the final roster. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)

DT Naquan Jones

Jones has been decent at camp. He was better early than later, but has experience and could make this team depending on the depth Ryans needs from his defensive tackles. If the Texans keep just four, then Jones is likely the odd man out as he'd fall behind Tommy Togiai, Sheldon Rankins, Kayden McDonald, Mario Edwards and Logan Hall, who could also kick to the outside.

S Ja'Marcus Ingram

Ingram has position flexibility in that he can back up at cornerback as well. That gives him a better shot to make the team. But he hasn't particularly stood out or had many turnovers forced this training camp.

S Kaevon Merriweather

Merriweather has a decent chance to make the roster with the departure of Jaylen Reed. He's made plays in camp. However, he doesn't have the same flexibility as Ingram.

CB Tremon Smith

Smith was outplayed early in training camp by undrafted rookie Collin Wright. But Wright hasn't practiced since the Chargers game because of injury. Meanwhile, Smith hasn't made many mistakes and has been steady. As long as he doesn't make mistakes against the Panthers, he could make the roster.

There’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢. This article originally published at 11 Houston Texans players on bubble who must have a good game in preseason finale vs. Panthers .

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