The Texans have promoted rookie safety Eddie Pleasant from their practice squad to the active roster.
An undrafted rookie from Oregon, Pleasant (5-10, 211) takes the roster spot of running back Jonathan Grimes, who was released on Thursday. The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed Grimes off waivers on Friday.
"This guy has shown a lot of signs that he could really help us here down the stretch," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said of Pleasant on Friday. "We're looking to find ways to get better on special teams and those types of things. He did a lot of good things for us early in the season. Basically, we're rewarding him, bringing him up."
Texans general manager Rick Smith and special teams coordinator Joe Marciano both said this offseason that the Texans came close to drafting Pleasant. During organized team activities (OTAs) in May, Marciano said he had already nicknamed Pleasant "The Missile" for the way he plays on special teams.
"I expect him to be active, expect him to be playing for Joe a great deal," Kubiak said. "Well-deserved for him. There is nothing better in your organization (than) when your practice squad guys get elevated. I think that sends a message to those guys that you've got a great opportunity. Looking forward to him stepping in and playing."
Pleasant is the fourth Texans practice squad player to make the active roster this season. Grimes, guard Cody White and defensive end David Hunter, who is now on injured reserve, received promotions earlier this season.
Pleasant was a three-year starter at Oregon. He moved from linebacker to safety as a junior and was first-team All-Pac 12 as a senior in 2011. He had a 4.63 40-yard dash, 33.5-inch vertical jump and 22 bench-press reps of 225 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.
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