The Texans signed two pass rushers to the active roster this week after J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus suffered season-ending injuries in Sunday's loss to Kansas City. Outside linebacker Lamarr Houston and defensive end Kendall Langford arrived on Wednesday ready to get to work.
"Two good veterans, really good guys, a lot of experience," head coach Bill O'Brien said Wednesday. "Both have experienced adversity in their careers, which I think is a good thing. They've had to come back from injuries, they've had to come back and play at a high level. They worked out well. They're obviously in shape, which is the big key in those workouts. Both heavy-handed players relative to the positions that they play. Smart players, guys that I believe can help us. So, I think they're definitely two good additions to the team."
Langford (6-6, 305) has amassed 290 tackles (208 solo), 22.5 sacks, 20 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in his career with Miami (2008-11), St. Louis (2012-14) and Indianapolis (2015-17). In 2015, Langford recorded a career high 7.0 sacks in 16 starts with the Colts.
"I'm just going to come and compete, try to do my job, not going to try and fill J.J.'s shoes," Langford said. "Those are big shoes to fill. I'm going to come and do my job and trust the guy beside me does his job and if we all do our job together, we can get it done."
Houston (6-3, 275) is in his eighth NFL season, after playing his last three years as a Chicago Bear. In his career, Houston has recorded 25.0 sacks, 67 quarterback hits, 51 tackles for loss, eight fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and an interception. Originally a second-round pick of the Raiders, Houston played his first four seasons (2010-13) with Oakland and then three as a Chicago Bear (2014-16).
The (2-3) Texans will host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. noon on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
Check out some of the best shots from Wednesday's practice as the Texans prepare for the Browns.
