Texans shore up the secondary by signing Ajani Carter to the practice squad and adding veteran Jalen Mills, a move aimed at Week 3's matchup.

Carter, Houston-born and undrafted, played 11 games for Houston in 2024 and logged 22 tackles with three passes defended; the Chiefs cut him in August.

Brenden Bates is being promoted to the active roster, Justin Watson lands on IR with an Achilles injury, and Houston now fields five defensive backs: Mills, Carter, Bryant, Ross, and Arnette.

Jalen Mills lands on the Texans' practice squad, adding veteran depth as Houston searches for stability after an 0-2 start. Mills owns a nine-year résumé with 115 games and 91 starts, eight interceptions, and 59 passes defended, offering versatile coverage and run support for a developing secondary. Houston shuffled its practice squad again, cutting Silas Bolden and Jaylon Thomas to align with Week 3 needs. The move signals a measured, cost-controlled path to revamping a struggling defense.

The New York Jets added depth at defensive back by signing Nik Needham to the practice squad after a Tuesday workout that included eight DBs: Nik Needham, Jaden Davis, Thomas Graham, Richie Grant, Arthur Maulet, Tanner McAlister, Jalen Mills, and Duke Shelley. With two injuries in the secondary, the club is layering options as they monitor additional silhouettes for potential roster moves.

Needham stands out given his Dolphins tenure and recent PS experience, plus his size and versatility. Mills is a veteran name headed toward the Texans’ practice squad, while Graham’s 12-game resume since 2021 makes him a candidate to watch. Maulet is a familiar face, and Shelley, Davis, and McAlister add depth pieces with potential special-teams value. The Jets are casting a wide net as they navigate a banged-up secondary and look for reliable depth behind the starters.

Jalen Mills exits Houston’s roster, capping a chaotic trek that began in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run. Mills’ Green Goblin persona and late-career stops with New England and New York frame a broader NFL churn that fantasy managers must track as teams reshuffle their secondary depth.

Week 16, 2020 vs Dallas marked his last Eagle snap; since then he chased fits, with a Texans cut closing the loop. Philly’s evolving secondary, DeVonta Smith and Hurts’ ongoing development, and Mills’ uncertain next stop all shape early-season IDP and defensive back upside.

Philly’s bond with Mills remains emblematic of a franchise defined by emotion and energy. Wherever he lands next, his hop and attitude could still fuel opportunistic fantasy weeks for savvy rosters.