Houston's Saturday win vs Detroit was the last big tryout for bubble players aiming to stick on the Texans' 53-man roster. Powell erupted for six catches and 63 yards, underscoring his breakout potential in a depth role. Mertz turned in his best preseason performance, flashing poise and decision-making as Houston balanced youth with veterans. D'Angelo Ross struggled again, highlighting the defense's depth questions.

Irv Smith Jr. and Harrison Bryant battled for the third tight end spot, with Smith showing the most consistent Week 3 signal-calling even as a false start clipped a key drive. Pierce delivered 17 yards on seven carries, Brooks added some burst, and the group as a whole battled through the Lions game to prove they belong in some capacity on game days. Cut day is looming, and many of these players will be fighting for practice-squad life or a final roster spot.

Bottom line: the Texans earned a few yeses and a few maybes, setting the stage for Tuesday's roster decisions as they trim the depth chart and evaluate who can contribute on special teams and depth roles this season.

The United Football League (UFL) is showcasing a number of former NFL players, with recent games highlighting significant performances. Notably, Jordan Ta'amu, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, threw a thrilling touchdown to fellow ex-Chief Cornell Powell during last weekend’s matchup against the St. Louis Battlehawks. This connection not only demonstrated their potential but also marked a memorable moment in the UFL as they navigate their careers after their NFL stints.

Both Ta'amu and Powell have had limited opportunities in the NFL, with Ta'amu having a brief tenure with the Chiefs in 2020 amidst the pandemic and Powell being a fifth-round pick from Clemson in 2021. Their touchdown reflects the UFL's role as a platform for players to enhance their skills and potentially attract NFL attention, underscoring the league's importance in the football ecosystem.

The Seattle Seahawks have officially waived cornerback Ryan "Bump" Cooper Jr. from their practice squad, marking the end of his brief tenure with the team. Cooper Jr. initially signed with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted out of Oregon State, where he had a notable college career, earning All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention honors twice. During his time with the Ravens, he displayed promise in the preseason, recording five tackles and a pass breakup in three games, including a standout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cooper Jr.'s journey to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance, having started at a junior college before making a name for himself at Oregon State.

In addition to Cooper's release, the Seahawks also waived wide receiver Cornell Powell, further reshaping their practice squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. Despite his release, Cooper's performance throughout the preseason has demonstrated his potential and could lead to another opportunity with a different team in the NFL.