With Jalen Pitre expected to miss several games, the Houston Texans need a backup plan for Jimmie Ward at the nickel position.
Entering Friday’s practice, Myles Bryant seems to be the front-runner for slot cornerback No. 2.
The Texans promoted Bryant to the active 53-man roster from the practice squad, the team announced Thursday morning. The move was expected with Pitre out indefinitely with a partially torn pectoral muscle.
Ward, who previously played in the slot for two seasons on Texans coach DeMeco Ryans in San Francisco, is expected to start next Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If all goes according to plan, Bryant will serve as the No. 2 option.
The former New England Patriots starter and training camp breakout star also should replace Ka’dar Hollman on special teams after the veteran cornerback suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Sunday’s loss against the Tennessee Titans.
After agreeing to terms on a one-year deal this offseason, Bryant made a big impression on the Texans coaching staff and personnel department during training camp. He initially made the Texans’ active roster after cutdowns and even saw action in several games.
Houston elected to release Bryant once Jeff Okudah was healthy enough to return. After he cleared waivers, the Texans brought him back to the practice squad.
For his NFL career, Bryant has totaled 200 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for losses, four interceptions, 17 pass deflections, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
The Texans hit the road to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13 for a shot to extend their seven-game winning streak against divisional opponents on the road. With a win, Houston would secure a 4-1 record in the AFC South play before the Bye Week.
Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.
