Texans place Jaylin Smith on IR amid flurry of minor NFL roster moves

The Houston Texans placed cornerback Jaylin Smith on injured reserve Tuesday as teams around the NFL processed a new batch of minor roster moves. The Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars and several other clubs adjusted their depth charts with practice-squad promotions, waiver moves and additional trips to injured reserve.

Texans lose Jaylin Smith again but hope for return in 2026

Smith’s latest setback is a hamstring injury diagnosed as Grade 2, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. That type of injury is generally measured in weeks rather than months, giving Houston optimism that the young defensive back can return later this season. The former third-round pick out of USC, selected by the Texans last year, had appeared in four games before being shut down.

The move marks a second straight season in which Smith has landed on injured reserve, after a separate issue ended most of his rookie campaign. This time, however, the expectation inside the organization is that the injury will not be season-ending, even though it forces Houston to free up a spot on the 53-man roster.

Packers, Panthers and Jaguars shuffle depth charts

In Carolina, the Panthers waived running back Anthony Tyus III, trimming depth in their offensive backfield. Green Bay promoted linebacker Kristian Welch from its practice squad to the active roster while placing fellow linebacker Edgerrin Cooper on injured reserve, a move that reshapes the middle of the Packers’ defense.

Jacksonville also tapped into its practice squad, elevating cornerback Jaylon Jones. At the same time, the Jaguars shifted safety Caleb Ransaw to injured reserve and waived cornerback Christian Braswell with an injury designation. Those decisions create a new look in the secondary as the club adjusts coverage roles and special-teams assignments.

Vikings, Patriots and Steelers make smaller adjustments

The Minnesota Vikings parted ways with cornerback Tyreek Chappell via an injury settlement, ending his stint with the team. The New England Patriots bolstered their offensive line by signing tackle Tristan Leigh off their practice squad, giving them another option in the trenches.

The Pittsburgh Steelers added cornerback Terell Smith, signing him off the Washington Commanders’ practice squad to reinforce their defensive backfield. Collectively, the day’s moves highlight how teams are constantly tweaking the bottom of their rosters to respond to injuries and performance swings as the season moves into its middle stretch.