Cornerback Hargreaves added to roster
The Texans claimed cornerback Vernon Hargreaves off waivers from Tampa Bay on Wednesday and cut defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun to create a roster spot.
A former University of Florida standout, Hargreaves is the latest former first-round cornerback added to the Texans’ secondary.
The Texans traded for former Raiders first-round corner Gareon Conley and signed former Broncos corner Bradley Roby in March.
The Texans are allowing 277.3 passing yards per game, ranking 29th in pass defense overall.
Hargreaves, who was the 11th pick in the 2016 draft, was released on Tuesday. Coach Bruce Arians had benched him for a lack of hustle on Sunday after a 55-yard reception by Arizona’s Andy Isabella.
“He didn’t look like he was hustling to go in for a tackle,” Arians told Tampa Bay reporters. “He was chasing somebody across the field, and he wasn’t running fast enough.”
Hargreaves had started all nine games for the Buccaneers this season and returned an interception for a touchdown against the 49ers in the first game of the season.
The Texans owe Hargreaves the remainder of his $2.383 million base salary for this season, a total of $981,366 that counts against the salary cap.
The Texans have been banged up in the secondary. Roby (hamstring) has missed the last three games, and Lonnie JohnsonJr. (concussion) was out for the Jaguars game. Johnathan Joseph has dealt with several injuries this season.
Stills skeptical about workout
Texans wide receiver Kenny Stills expressed skepticism about a pending NFL workout for his friend, unemployed veteran free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
One of the most outspoken players in the league about social injustice issues and among the few players still kneeling for the national anthem at games, Stills wondered aloud about the legitimacy of the opportunity.
The workout and interview, available for all 32 teams and set for Saturday at the Falcons’ training facility, came out of nowhere and has been labeled a public relations stunt by many, including Panthers safety Eric Reid.
“Teams could have easily brought him in for a one-on-one workout,” Stills said. “I don’t know what’s going on, if it’s some type of media circus or what they’re trying to do. You never know.”
Several NFL teams plan to send someone to the workout, including the Lions, Falcons, Cowboys, Patriots, Buccaneers, Broncos, Washington and Dolphins.
Coach Bill O’Brien declined to say if the Texans would send anyone to Atlanta to evaluate Kaepernick.
“I’m very focused on Baltimore and I would never talk about anything that’s relating to scouting or personnel, anything like that,” O’Brien said.
Most NFL coaches and general managers won’t be able to attend the workout because of the poor timing.
Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2016 season, when he began kneeling during the anthem to protest several issues, including police brutality against African Americans. Kaepernick and Reid both settled grievances against the NFL in February after making allegations that NFL teams were involved in collusion to prevent them from signing as free agents.
“I like Colin. In our family, we’ve known Colin for quite a long time,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “Obviously he played for Jim ( Harbaugh) in San Francisco, so I’ve known him since he started in the league. Really good person and I’m happy for him. I hope it works out.”
Ravens’ tricks aren’t a treat
The Ravens’ diverse offensive personnel allows them to run a unique play featuring three former Heisman Trophy winners in their backfield.
It’s been dubbed the Heisman Package, which the Ravens unveiled in a blowout win over the Bengals.
The triple-option play involves quarterback Lamar Jackson, backup quarterback Robert Griffin III and running back Mark Ingram.
Against the Bengals, Jackson faked a handoff to Ingram before taking off downfield. He pitched to Griffin, who completed a 12-yard run.
Plays like that one designed by offensive coordinator Greg Roman are among the many unconventional wrinkles the Texans are prepping for.
“That’s tough,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “We’ve got to be ready for anything. It’s very difficult. You’ve got to make sure that you’re doing your job and playing as disciplined as you can.”