Houston's roster cutdown discourse centers on ongoing fluidity and workload splits ahead of a Week 1 test against the Rams. Joe Mixon’s NFI status creates immediate backfield questions, while British Brooks and Tommy Togiai earn worker-bee credibility and could shape early-down roles. Graham Mertz remains a key third quarterback, CJ Gardner-Johnson's status looms over the secondary, and Aireontae Ersery plus Kamari Lassiter offer position-flexible depth that could spark waiver-period moves.

Fantasy players should monitor practice reps and waivers as Houston leverages a marathon-not-sprint approach to roster construction. Expect several 53-to-53+ adjustments, with practice-squad and in-season calls influencing weekly lineups, especially at RB and on defense where versatility matters most.