Bye Week Blues got ya’ down? Barry is here to cure what ails ya’. I am a little disappointed that he didn’t include the Wilfork pic from the “Body” issue of ESPN Magazine. Surely he has it saved on multiple flash drives that are hidden throughout his house. Take it away, Barry…

Week-08-Heh-Report

Wednesday injury report: Roby and Akins both full participants in practice. It’s not new news, but the NFL competition committee expects to present to league owners a plan to expand the playoffs (again) to 8 teams per conference. Aaron Wilson had a slew of tweets featuring JJ Watt soundbites that shows a continued frustration and blunt openness by the big guy.

Texans vs. Jaguars Wednesday injury report: CB Bradley Roby a full participant
By Mark Lane, TexansWire

Excerpt: The Houston Texans had some favorable news as they get ready to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at TIAA Bank Field.

Cornerback Bradley Roby, who had left Week 7’s 35-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury, returned to practice and was a full participant. Joining Roby as a full participant was tight end Jordan Akins, who has missed the last three games with a concussion and also an ankle injury.

Read the full article for more Texans players news and a link to the Jaguars injury situation ahead of Sunday’s game.

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NFL Could Reportedly Change Playoffs If Too Many Games Are Lost
By Zach Koons, TheSpun

Excerpt: Before the 2020 season got underway, the NFL announced a small playoff expansion to include 14 teams rather than the usual 12 that fans are accustomed to. The deal came together in March and the league owners quickly approved.

But it’s possible that the format could change once again in the coming weeks.

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the NFL competition committee expects to present a plan to the league’s owners for another expansion. This format would consist of a 16-team playoff tournament, intended to make up for potential regular season games canceled by COVID-19.

Under the new plan, eight teams from each conference would make the postseason.

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It’s becoming very clear that JJ Watt is at the end of his rope and possibly at the end of his time here in Houston. Yes, losing sucks, and no there’s nothing wrong with a player expressing discontent. But this is one of many soundbites that appears to show JJ Watt is struggling to find a way to be nice or gracious about much of anything to be honest. Where did the NRG-sun-shining-on-the-field-photo JJ Watt go?

J.J. Watt on Texans' future hires for coach and GM: 'How can I get excited about something I don't know? I have no clue about their philosophy. I don't even know who the candidates are'

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 4, 2020

This day was always going to be about one thing: The Election Results. I want to allow civil discussion on here, but if it gets out of hand I’m not deleting comments and instead will just close comments for the day.

I understand that this is a very important topic for some on here. It’s not for me as I am politically sterile for lack of a better phrase–I just don’t give a shit because I see ugliness across this nation and I abhor it and I abstain from being dragged into it by either side. That’s my personal choice in it all. As such, I don’t want to see anyone here embroiled with others over things that, you know, outside of your individual “vote,” none of us are really in control of these things and none of us here are each others’ enemies.

All I ask is that each person conduct themselves with dignity and treat others with a dignity that shows we all understand that we’re ultimately all on the same team here. This is a place that I ultimately want to exist as a place that transcends the cultural norms of “political discourse”–A fun and enjoyable place where relationships matter more than lining us all up into one accord on deeply personal matters such as socio-political or religious beliefs etc.

Having said all that, please find exit ramps when it is obvious exit ramps need to be found and taken. If others encourage you to be better, take heed and cool down a bit. I will be checking in periodically. I am unable to monitor every comment as it’s posted on here.

I would hate to have to close the comments, but it’s the only potential solution as I am not going to judge each comment and figure out which ones stay and which ones get deleted. I know that it’s punishing the group for the flaws of a few, but I am not here to pick sides or play favorites.

A.J. Moore and Kahale Warring join Isaiah Coulter on the designated to return list, but per the rules they have to wait 21 days before a possible activation to the 53-man roster. Today’s the trade deadline, and Aaron Rodgers responds to questions about rumors of a potential Will Fuller acquisition by the Packers.

Houston Texans Transactions (11-02-20)
HoustonTexans.com

The Houston Texans activated the 21-day practice window for the following two players to return from the Reserve/Injured list:

A.J. Moore, Jr. (Safety)
Kahale Warring (Tight End)

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Injury Update: Four Texans Set To Return
By Anthony R Wood, SI.com

Excerpt: “A.J. and Kahale, they’re going to be activated,” said Crennel. “That three-week window is going to be opened for those guys this week so they can start practicing and we can evaluate them. At the end of that three weeks, we’ll bring them to the 53 or we’ll move them back to IR depending on how they’re doing and where they are.”

They join rookie WR Isaiah Coulter, who was also recently activated from IR to begin his practice window. 

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Aaron Rodgers won’t push for Packers to trade for a receiver
By Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk

Excerpt: Aaron Rodgers was asked whether the team “need[s] to add to that position to be the offense you want to be long term?”

“It’s not a bad question, but it’s not one that I can answer,” Rodgers said. “We’ve had many conversations about this type of thing over the years. I surely understand my role. I’m not gonna stomp for anybody. The last time I stomped for a player, he ended up going to Buffalo.”

More promises that some players’ snap counts will increase. No new news on trade rumors, at least not at midnight Sunday night. Let’s see if Monday brings to fruition any trades for the Texans.

Texans rookies Jonathan Greenard, Ross Blacklock could get more reps after the bye week
By Mark Lane, TexansWire

Excerpt: The Houston Texans haven’t had many contributions from their top two rookies in their 2020 NFL Draft class.

Second-round defensive tackle Ross Blacklock has provided four combined tackles and a tackle for loss in six games. Third-round outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard finally got on the field in Week 4 after struggling with a hamstring injury, but has played a total of 11 defensive snaps with 59 special teams reps.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver believes the rookies will be able to see more playing time once the Texans return from their Week 8 bye.

“I think those guys will be given opportunities just because of the work ethic they have and the effort they put forth on the practice field,” Weaver said.

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That’s it. I mean, there’s obviously trade rumors…but, yeah, there’s really nothing else to share. Yet.

There’ll be an early games thread posted at 11:45 a.m., and we’ll see if a late games thread needs to happen based on how many comments we have in the early games thread. SNF thread will post at 7:00 p.m. CT for the 7:20 p.m. scheduled kickoff.

Saturday football info can be found at https://506sports.com/ncaaf.php. What are some good shows on TV that you are enjoying? I’ll list a few of mine at the moment.

The Hunters (Amazon Prime original series. 1 Season. Renewed for a 2nd season).

Al Pacino isn’t his usual bombastic self. Instead, he plays a quiet, soft-spoken survivor of The Holocaust who leads a group of “hunters” who track down Nazis who’ve somehow escaped Germany (many years prior to the 1970’s setting of this show) and now live in America. I almost have to put on the subtitles because he speaks so softly, and his Jewish accent is top notch and very believable; almost to the point you forget it’s Al Pacino. Logan Lerman, who played jittery replacement assistant tank driver “Norman” in the WWII movie “Fury,” plays his character perfectly. The writing is top notch. The casting is perfect. It’s like Inglorious Basterds and Charlie’s Angels had a baby together: Charlie’s Basterds. A++ show, IMO.

Fargo (Season 1, 2014) An FX series now showing on Hulu and maybe Sling as well.

Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, and Colin Hanks are terrific in this miniseries set in tranquil 2006 Minnesota. The 1st season follows hitman Lorne Malvo (Thornton) who stops at a hospital in Bemidji, Minnesota following a car accident and influences local mild-mannered insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Freeman) with his violent and deceptive ways. Their meeting sets forth a series of murders throughout the city. Meanwhile, Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman) of Bemidji and Officer Gus Grimly (Hanks) of Duluth attempt to solve several crimes across the state that they believe may be linked to Malvo and Nygaard.

I binged this 10-episode Season 1 in like 2 nights. By the time I hit episode 5, I was like “Eff it, I’m watching it all the way to the end.” I have no regrets. The show is darker than the trailer shows. Lots of quirky offbeat humor, for sure, but man oh man there are some dark comedy and heavy-handed brutality in the show, as well.

Quick Draw (Hulu original series, 2013)

This is like The Office, but set in the Old West. Unique characters abound, and from what I gather the show is mostly improvisational by the actors.

Fresh off the stagecoach from Harvard, Sheriff John Henry Hoyle and his reluctant Deputy Eli introduce the emerging science of forensics to hunt down the Wild West’s most dangerous criminals.

Thanks to BarryFromTexas for providing the weekly Heh Report.

Week-07-Heh-Report

Very little news again. Something to watch is the opportunity rookie WR Isaiah Coulter might receive if a WR or two departs via trade. Coulter lands on the active roster while Scharping hits the COVID-19 reserved list.

When Could Newly Activated Rookie Make Texans Debut?
By Cody Stoots, SI.com

Excerpt: He plays primarily outside wide receiver and showcased plenty of talent at Rhode Island. Often described as raw by draft evaluators, Coulter impressed in limited opportunities against Power Five competition. He’s long and speedy with good body control.

“There’s definitely a chance he can contribute to this team,” wide receiver coach John Perry said. “His development has been outstanding. He’s got a lot of very valuable traits that we can use and utilize when he does get the opportunity.”

While he is active, the numbers game doesn’t favor Coulter being active on gameday just yet. Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller, and Kenny Stills handle the majority of the snaps outside. Randall Cobb has been the primary slot presence all season. Coulter has only recently started to practice with the team too. 

A spot could free up for him soon should the team trade one of their veterans. It would allow Coulter to be active but ease into any reps the team had for him on gameday.

Isaiah Coulter, this is simply a special moment. #3MoreFeet #RamFam pic.twitter.com/Dbx3Hes9ZJ

— Rhody Football (@RhodyFootball) April 25, 2020

Texans news is hard to find this week. The trade deadline is probably the only thing to really look forward to with no Texans game to be played due to a bye. Chris Roling with BleacherReport has 5 “Blockbuster” deals in mind, and 2 of those involve Texans players.

Blockbuster Deals That Would Blow Up the 2020 NFL Trade Deadline
By Chris Roling, BleacherReport

Texans Trade Kenny Stills to Packers for 2021 Third-Round Pick
Excerpt: Stills is on the last year of his deal, so the Texans could always seek out a trade partner to get something in return for his likely departure as the wideout room undergoes massive change again. He’s 28 and still plenty capable, but been a non-factor with just 18 targets. 

A team like the Green Bay Packers might have plenty of interest in a half-season rental considering its top two wideouts, Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, haven’t been able to stay on the field. Aaron Rodgers continues to feast regardless with his team at 5-1, but adding a guy who averages 15.7 yards per catch for his career and has 500-plus yards in six of his seven seasons would be a savvy win-now move.

Texans Trade J.J. Watt to Saints for 2021 Second-Round Pick
Excerpt: As mentioned already, the Texans figure to look toward the future. 

That could mean trading 31-year-old J.J. Watt, who has a team-high $15.5 million cap hit (7.1 percent of the cap) this year that escalates to $17.5 million in 2021.

Granted, it would take a desperate team to take on Watt at this stage of his career, but the New Orleans Saints have shown time and again they’re all-in on winning now as the Drew Brees era nears an end, even if it means creatively shifting around some cap allocations to make a big addition work.

Watt is a major risk mostly because he’s played more than eight games in a season just once dating back to 2015. But putting him on a front seven with Cameron Jordan and others would make for one of the scariest units in the NFL.

The Saints are in an arms race with Tampa Bay in the NFC South after Antonio Brown landed there, and Houston is desperate to start cleaning up the mess left by a fired head coach and doesn’t pick earlier in the 2021 draft than the third round. It’s a stars-aligning moment that could make for a surprise blockbuster.