ClutchPoints
Training camp and the preseason are often the NFL’s harshest proving grounds. Every summer, players across the league learn that a job once considered safe is suddenly vulnerable. This is especially true as hungry newcomers push veterans to the brink. The Houston Texans are no exception. After an up-and-down 2024 season and a rocky start to 2025 preparations, head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio are staring down tough choices. Two projected first-stringers now find themselves in danger of losing their starting roles just weeks before kickoff.
Some blame CJ Stroud’s sophomore slump, while others point to a receiving corps plagued by injuries. Whatever the cause, the result was the same: the Texans fell short down the stretch last season. The defense, led by rising star Will Anderson Jr, looks ready to push for dominance in a wide-open AFC South. However, the offense must rediscover its 2023 rhythm if Houston hopes to make a real run.
The Texans wrapped up their preseason slate with a convincing 26-7 win over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. That game offered flashes of promise despite most starters sitting out. Still, as the team returns home, Ryans and Caserio have difficult decisions to make. With only 53 roster spots available and more than 60 players showing they belong in the league, difficult cuts are inevitable. Even standout performances in the finale may not be enough for some hopefuls to survive Tuesday’s deadline.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Houston Texans first-stringers in danger of losing starting jobs ahead of 2025 NFL season.
Jayden Higgins entered the offseason penciled in by many as a starter. That said, training camp has turned into a bit of a nightmare for the young receiver. Once a projected centerpiece of Houston’s passing attack, Higgins has failed to capitalize on his opportunities. His struggles to separate in practice and inconsistency catching contested balls have opened the door for Xavier Hutchinson to steal the spotlight.
Hutchinson, a second-year wideout from Iowa State, has been nothing short of sensational. From strong showings in joint practices to timely plays in preseason games, Hutchinson has forced coaches to re-think the depth chart. His versatility has shone. He can line up on both outside and in the slot. This has made him invaluable in a receiving corps riddled with health concerns. Simply put, Hutchinson looks like the kind of dynamic playmaker Houston needs to reignite its passing game.
For Higgins, the writing may already be on the wall. The Texans want explosive options around Stroud, and Hutchinson’s skillset fits that bill. Higgins isn’t out of the roster by any means, but his demotion would be a clear sign of Houston prioritizing production over potential. Come Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, fans may see Hutchinson’s name in the starting lineup while Higgins rotates sinks into a backup role.
Offensive Tackle Cam Robinson: Veteran at a Crossroads ----------------------------------------------------------...
