Houston Texans NFL Trade and Roster Rumors: Team Works Out Five Tight Ends

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Saturday, September 16, 2017

With C. J. Fiedorowicz on injured reserve list, and both Ryan Griffen and Stephen Anderson placed in the league's concussion protocol, the Houston Texans just don't have enough healthy bodies at the tight end position.

The Texans walked away with a 13–9 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, but they will have to address this issue soon because they are taking on the New England Patriots on Sept. 24.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans have brought in Gary Barnidge, Gavin Escobar, Larry Donnell, MyCole Pruitt and David Johnson for workouts on Friday, and they are reportedly interested in Jacob Tamme and Brian Parker as well.

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Wilson said the team will sign Pruitt to the practice squad and he will get the chance to make the active roster if he impresses in practice. However, the most interesting name on the list is Barnidge.

The former University of Louisville standout was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2008 draft. He was used mainly as a backup tight end and he was a valuable contributor on special teams as well during his stint with the club.

Barnidge got his big break when he joined the Cleveland Browns in 2014 and he had the best season of his career in 2015. However, the team released him last April after they drafted David Njoku. The tenth-year pro is still productive and he can certainly help the Texans if they sign him.

Escobar is actually a former second-round pick, but he has failed to live up to his draft status. He couldn't carve out a role with the Dallas Cowboys during his four seasons with the team, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs last March. Unfortunately, the Chiefs released him earlier this month and now he's a free agent once again.

Donnell used to be a member of the New York Giants and he joined the Baltimore Ravens this summer. However, he failed to make the final 53-man roster.

Johnson used to be a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2011, and he's still a productive player. He rejoined the Steelers last March, but he was cut earlier this month.