The Houston Texans are gearing up for their regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, and one player who is poised to benefit from this game is veteran defensive tackle Leki Fotu. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has confirmed that the team’s starters will take the field, but with the postseason on the horizon, the health of the roster will be a top priority. This could mean more playing time for Fotu, who has been a key part of the team’s midseason retooling on the defensive front.

Texans Call On Leki Fotu Again

GettyLeki Fotu #95 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Fotu was initially signed to the Texans’ practice squad on December 23. He was then elevated to the game-day roster for their Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. His performance was strong enough to earn another opportunity before the postseason. According to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, the Texans elevated Fotu from the practice squad to the active roster for the second week in a row. In his debut, Fotu recorded two tackles in 14 defensive snaps during the win over the Chargers.

The timing of Fotu’s elevation works well for the Texans, who officially announced the move later. Teams are allowed to elevate players from the practice squad up to three times during the regular season, with the counter resetting for the postseason. This means the Texans can potentially use Fotu for most, if not all, of their playoff run, which they hope ends in a Super Bowl victory. However, first, they must close out the regular season against the Colts.

In addition to Fotu, the Texans also elevated safety Kaevon Merriweather to their game-day roster. A former undrafted free agent, Merriweather began his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has played in 12 games this season but none with the Texans.

Texans DT Room in Flux

GettyTim Settle Jr. #98 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Texans have lost starting defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. and backup Mario Edwards Jr. to season-ending injuries, forcing them to make several roster moves on the defensive line. This includes adding Fotu and fellow veteran interior lineman Naquan Jones.

Despite these changes, there is an argument that the recent roster shuffling could serve as a recruitment tool. Former Texans defensive tackle Seth Payne, now the host of “Payne & Pendergast” in Houston, suggested that players should be lining up to join Ryans and his staff.

“If I were a free agent defensive tackle who didn’t like my current offers, I would book a flight to Houston and sit in front of DeMeco’s office until he either signed me to a one-year deal or threw me out of the building,” Payne posted on X on January 1.

Texans Announce Key Decision on Injured Duo

Plenty of signs indicated that the Texans might elevate cornerback Ajani Carter and defensive end Darrell Taylor to their game-day roster. Both players are on injured reserve but have resumed practicing. However, the Texans opted against it for this week.

“Houston Texans Injury Report Update,” posted by the Texans’ PR on X on January 3, stated that CB Ajani Carter (hamstring) and DE Darrell Taylor (ankle) were not activated from the Reserve/Injured list and have been downgraded to out for Week 18 vs. the Indianapolis Colts.

The Texans have managed much of the season without both players, who could still have significant roles in the postseason.

Colts Elevate 2 Players for Texans Game

GettyRiley Leonard #15 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Texans were not the only team making final roster adjustments. The Indianapolis Colts elevated two players from its practice squad, including its backup quarterback.

“The Indianapolis Colts today elevated quarterback Seth Henigan and tight end Sean McKeon to the active roster from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans,” the Colts’ communications staff wrote on January 3.

Henigan is an undrafted rookie who has yet to attempt a pass during a regular-season game. McKeon has caught six passes for 38 yards and one touchdown in 45 games with three starts during his career.

Indy is starting rookie sixth-round pick Riley Leonard, who has 145 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 54.5% completion. Former starter Anthony Richardson is on injured reserve due to an eye injury. Philip Rivers will serve as the Colts’ emergency third QB.