If you dig into the 2024 season’s fines and suspensions, the Texans stand out like a sore thumb. They were the most fined team last season and were the only team with multiple players ranking in the top 10 for the biggest fines. And it seems like linebacker Christian Harris wants to keep that tradition going while Ryans’ wants to strengthen his defense.

This week, Christian Harris made sure the Texans stayed in the league’s fine spotlight, getting slapped with an $11,593 penalty for “Unnecessary Roughness.” He’s now part of a growing list, 19 players in total, who got hit with fines this week.

With 5 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving broke through up the middle, running behind right guard all the way to Tampa Bay’s 5-yard line. Texans linebacker Christian Harris made the tackle but was flagged for a facemask penalty in the process. The 15-yard infraction moved the Bucs even closer to the goal line, giving Tampa Bay excellent field position in a crucial late-game situation.

While the financial penalty may be modest, the timing proved crucial in Houston’s narrow 20-19 defeat. Harris’s facemask infraction came during a critical fourth-quarter, red zone sequence that could have altered the game’s trajectory in a tightly contested matchup.

The penalty stands out particularly because Harris has been relatively quiet this season as a rotational defender and special teams contributor. Through two games in 2025, his statistical output remains minimal, with just 2 solo tackles and no sacks or turnovers, making the costly mistake even more problematic for his standing with the coaching staff.

Harris possesses significant upside potential as a 2022 third-round pick from Alabama. The linebacker has compiled 197 total tackles and 4 sacks over his NFL career, demonstrating solid production when given chances. However, 2024 proved challenging with Harris appearing in just three games, and his 2025 snap count remains minimal. The combination of limited playing time and costly penalties creates pressure for the young defender to maximize his opportunities and prove he deserves an expanded role in Houston’s defense.

DeMeco Ryans has a reputation for cracking the whip on discipline, but this season has already tested his patience. In just two games, the Texans have racked up 17 penalties, enough for him to reach for an Advil. For now, he’s been doing what he has control over—boosting the Texans’ defense.

DeMeco Ryans bolsters the Texans’ defense

The Texans have finally moved fullback Jakob Johnson up from the practice squad to the active roster. He’s a versatile piece—capable of lining up as a tight end or making plays on special teams—as C.J. Stroud looks for any edge to get the offense clicking and chase down an AFC South win.

He hasn’t put up any offensive numbers yet, sure. But he made his presence felt by blocking a punt in last week’s loss to Tampa Bay. And this wasn’t the only move Ryans made.

Yes, Ryans has also elevated cornerbacks Myles Bryant and D’Angelo Ross to the active roster. They added the CBs, probably to cover for cornerback Jaylin Smith, who’s sidelined with a hamstring injury this weekend. Smith missed all three practices leading up to Week 3, which means he’ll have to watch his first career game from the sidelines.

Bryant and Ross will step in to help patch up Houston’s secondary, giving the team some much-needed depth as they try to keep things from falling apart back there.

Bryant, who saw action in 11 games for the Texans in 2024, racked up 14 total tackles. Before landing in Houston, he spent four seasons with the New England Patriots, carving out a role after coming into the league as an undrafted free agent. Not exactly a household name, but he’s the kind of grinder teams love to have on the roster.

Ross, on the other hand, has been a familiar face in Houston over the past two seasons. He got the start in two games for the Texans in 2024. He wrapped up the year with 13 total tackles and two passes defended. Solid numbers for a guy who’s quietly been doing the little things that keep a defense ticking. Ideal additions from DeMeco Ryans.