Brandon Hill’s sophomore NFL season is over before it officially begins.
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans defensive back will miss the 2024 season after suffering a significant knee injury in Saturday’s win against the Los Angeles Rams.
Hill, a former seventh-round pick out of Pitt, was a longshot to make the active 53-man roster, but he was a favorite to make the practice squad. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Houston’s second preseason contest, he recovered a fumble on special teams and intercepted a pass from Kyle Allen in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
#Texans S Brandon Hill will miss the 2024 season after suffering a season ending knee injury yesterday. Per @AaronWilson_NFL
Prayers up! 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/fd8WjLoJUX
— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL) August 25, 2024
During the first quarter, Hill fell during a punt return and was slow to get up. Trainers eventually came to attend to him, with players going onto the field to wish him well before he was transported to the locker room for further examination. An air cast was placed on his right leg to further the swelling.
With Hill out for the year, the Texans could be set at safety if they elect to keep five players. Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Eric Murray and third-round pick Callen Bullock didn’t play in Saturday’s contest, signifying that they’ve probably done enough to make the 53-man squad.
#Texans S Brandon Hill is out for the season with a knee injury. Prayers to him 🙏🏽#HTownMade pic.twitter.com/9XwrsBhkrd
— Mr. InvisibleTexan (@InvisibleTexans) August 25, 2024
Lonnie Johnson and M.J. Stewart could be in a race for the last spot. Johnson looked promising in coverage against the Rams, totaling five tackles and a pass breakup. Stewart has been a special teams standout under Frank Ross, so he could have the upper hand if the Texans are looking for certain roleplayers.
Roster cutdowns must be finalized by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
