Watson wants Fuller back next season
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson wants to resume his interrupted connection with wide receiver Will Fuller next season
Fuller is a pending unrestricted free agent who was suspended for the next six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Fuller’s $10.164 million fifthyear club option is expiring and he’s expected to cash in as a free agent. The Texans want Fuller back, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Watson is already lobbying Fuller and the Texans to bring him back.
“Will knows that we all love him,” Watson said. “He always do the right thing and that one slip up, just got popped. We’re always going to have his back. Will’s my brother. The whole organization knows that, too. Make sure that we get him back for next year, especially in this organization.
“For sure, that’s very important. Definitely one guy that I’m going to be working on this last month (of season) and offseason for sure.”
Murray’s role could change
The suspension of Bradley Roby for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy triggers changes in the Texans’ secondary.
And the background of safety Eric Murray is expected to be a factor in how the Texans shuffle their personnel Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Murray was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round as a cornerback and has experience as a nickel for the Texans. He’s fast enough to play corner, running the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds.
While Vernon Hargreaves and Phillip Gaines are the primary corners, Murray could be utilized outside, too.
“He’s shown how versatile he is,” Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel said of Murray, who has 52 tackle, one pass defensed and one forced fumble. He can play safety. He can play corner. … He can play several different positions for us and we might have to use more of that versatility going down the road.”
The Texans are not expected to shift safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. back to corner. The former second-round draft pick from Kentucky has been making some improvements as a full-time safety in terms of range and awareness.
“We’re going to see how the week goes, to tell you the truth, and see if we need to do that,” Crennel said. “Lonnie in his present role is making a great contribution to the team, to the defense. You don’t want to mess up two positions. We’ll look it over and make a determination about what we need to do.”
Two designated for return
Running back David Johnson and inside linebacker Kyle Emanuel were designated for return from injured reserve.
Both players’ 21-day practice window to be placed on the active roster started Wednesday.
Johnson has rushed for a team-high 408 yards with three touchdown runs, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
Johnson is feeling much better after absorbing a concussion on a hit from Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack last month. If he clears the NFL concussion protocol, then he can be activated to help out a dismal running game. Emanuel is also returning from a concussion.
Team adds to practice squad
The Texans signed former Missouri wide receiver J’Mon Moore and former Maine defensive back Manny Patterson to their practice squad.
Moore is an Elkins graduate from Missouri City and a former Green Bay Packers fourth-round draft pick. He has also played for the Cleveland Browns and has two career catches for 15 yards.
Patterson was previously with the Washington football club.
The Texans are scheduled to work out former Michigan State and New England Patriots quarterback Brian Lewerke, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
A three-year starter in college, Lewerke finished his career ranked first in school history with 9,548 yards of total offense on 8,293 passing yards and 1,255 rushing yards. He ranks third in school history with 22 wins and 38 starts, first with 1,249 passing attempts, second with 721 passing completions with 721 and fourth with 47 touchdown passes.