Five things to watch
A good deal of tension tends to build around the NFL this week. It’s a trying time for players at the end of the roster bubble as teams gauge who to keep and who to cut as they approach a Saturday afternoon deadline to get down to the regular-season limit of 53 players. • As the Texans head into their preseason finale Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys at NRG Stadium, the challenge of making those decisions is an indicator the AFC South franchise has upgraded the collective talent on its roster. • “Definitely. I think the more difficult decisions you have to make, that obviously means that you have a competitive roster,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “I think all of the positions are very competitive. I think there’s just different discussions at certain positions and we’ll be having those discussions on Thursday night. • “You definitely have to look at the body of work. How has the player improved? You have to look at injuries. It’s not about an all-star 53. It’s about the right 53. It’ll be a late night Thursday after the game, which is good. It’s fun. It’s challenging. That’s what it’s all about. It’s tough for the players." • Here’s a look at five situations to watch:
Joe Webb
1 Many NFL teams don’t keep three quarterbacks, but Webb’s versatility warrants a strong shot at earning a roster spot and potentially a game-day role this season. Webb is the only quarterback in the NFL who can contribute on several special teams and even play wide receiver in a pinch. He is a unique performer.
Troymaine Pope
2 The undersized running back has provided a spark as a kick returner and proved he can make big plays out of the backfield as a receiving threat. Has he done enough make the team? A big game against the Cowboys could push him over the top. He’s a long shot. If the Texans keep fullback Jay Prosch, then Pope is unlikely to make the team.
Inside linebacker
3 The Texans have quality depth at this spot behind starters Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham. Brian Peters and Dylan Cole are locks, but Josh Keyes and Kennan Gilchrist aren’t. Keyes is useful in kick coverage and a big hittter on defense. Gilchrist is extremely rangy on defense. There are scenarios where neither Keyes nor Gilchrist makes the team because the Texans are so stocked at linebacker, including outsde linebackers Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, Brennan Scarlett and rookie Duke Ejiofor (Alief Taylor).
Wide receiver
4 The Texans are expected to keep six wide receivers: DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Bruce Ellington, Keke Coutee, Braxton Miller and Sammie Coates. They’re also looking around the NFL for potential depth additions. Ideally, the Texans will be able to get speedy undrafted rookie Vyncint Smith on their practice squad if he’s released. He might not clear waivers, though, after displaying flashes as a deep threat. This represents another chance for Smith to prove himself.
Tight end
5 Stephen Anderson hasn’t practiced this week and appears to be on the outside looking in as the Texans will likely just keep three tight ends: Ryan Griffin, Jordan Thomas and Jordan Akins.