Amendola ready to return
Texans slot receiver Danny Amendola said he’s “ready to roll” after missing four games while sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The 13-year veteran practiced without limitations Wednesday for the first time since exiting the first half of the Sept. 19 loss against the Browns. The Texans also have room to activate another receiver for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, since a roster spot cleared upon the Tuesday release of former return specialist Andre Roberts.
“I love playing football, obviously, being out there with my teammates,” said Amendola, who had six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown before his injury. “It sucks being out. But it’s part of the game, and I’m back now, so I’m ready to roll.”
The Woodlands High graduate signed a oneyear, $2.5 million deal Sept. 7 while former slot receiver Anthony Miller was sidelined with a shoulder dislocation, and coach David Culley said Miller was later released because they didn’t have enough room at the position.
The Texans now have six wide receivers on the 53-man roster, and special teams coordinator Frank Ross said Amendola is one of the players who could take on responsibilities in the return game. Cornerbacks Desmond King, Tremon Smith and reserve running back Scottie Phillips are also options.
“I’m ready to go,” Amendola said. “I feel great about it. I love doing it. So, whatever they need me to do, I’m here for.”
The 35-year-old receiver has the most experience among the team’s remaining options, but Amendola hasn’t returned more than 11 punts in a season since 2017, when he returned 27 punts for 231 yards with the Patriots.
When Amendola returns to the field against the Cardinals, it will be his first time playing with rookie quarterback Davis Mills, who made his debut in the second half of the Browns game, after Amendola and starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor exited the game with hamstring injuries.
Amendola practiced with limitations for two weeks with Mills while missing games against the Patriots and Colts, and Amendola said they’ve built a rapport behind the scenes.
“We’re always talking,” Amendola said. “Whether I’m on the field or not. Even helping other guys. It’s a team effort in the video room. On the field. Always trying to get better at everything. Different looks. Propose different ideas and different strategies and constantly getting better.”
DT Johnson out for Cardinals
Reserve defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson will not play against the Cardinals because of a back injury that kept him out of practice all week, the Texans announced Friday.
The franchise signed the five-year veteran off the Saints practice squad Sept. 14 to fill in when Vincent Taylor was placed on the injured reserve after ankle surgery, and Johnson has
been part of the line’s rotation in five games this season.
The Texans still have the eight linemen defensive coordinator Lovie Smith normally requires to keep his four-man front fresh in games, and the injury provides an opening for the franchise to activate defensive end Charles Omenihu for the first time in two games.
Still, the Texans could elevate defensive tackles Derek Rivers or newly signed Michael Dwumfour from the practice squad to provide additional depth at Johnson’s position.
But defensive tackle Ross Blacklock is also paced to return from the team’s COVID/reserve list. Blacklock, a 2020 secondround pick by the Texans, held a reserve role on the defensive line in the first three games, subbing and recording four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
“We’ll see how it goes this week in practice,” Culley said. “But he is back.”