Texans Sign Former Browns Tight End
The Houston Texans have added a new tight end to their roster ahead of Week 3.
According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the Texans have signed free agent tight end Brenden Bates to the active roster. Bates, who was previously with the Cleveland Browns, is in his second year in the NFL after originally signing as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky with the New York Jets.
During his college career at Kentucky, Bates spent six years primarily as a blocking tight end, appearing in 55 games and recording 26 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
Bates has seen limited action in the NFL, playing in seven games—five with the Jets and two with the Browns—mostly as a blocker or on special teams. He played during Cleveland’s preseason this year but was waived from their practice squad in August. After a few weeks on the sidelines, the 25-year-old now has a new opportunity in Houston.
The Texans’ tight end group has undergone significant changes leading up to Week 3. Both Brevin Jordan and Irv Smith Jr. were placed on season-ending injured reserve during the preseason, leaving Houston with only Cade Stover and Dalton Schultz as active tight ends for their Week 1 matchup against the LA Rams. However, Stover fractured his foot in the game, requiring surgery and placing him on injured reserve prior to Week 2. To fill the void, the Texans promoted Harrison Bryant to the active roster from the practice squad.
With Bates now joining the team, Houston’s tight end room will consist of Schultz, Bryant, and Bates, giving the Texans three tight ends on their 53-man roster.
Bates is expected to make his Texans debut next Sunday when the team faces the Jacksonville Jaguars in a key divisional road game after starting the season 0-2. The Texans will likely continue to rely on Schultz as their starting tight end and lead pass-catcher, with Bryant and Bates providing depth.
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