Texans Make Unexpected Move: FB Jakob Johnson Activated—What This Could Mean for the Team’s Future

When the Houston Texans decided to pull Jakob Johnson up from their practice squad once again for Monday Night Football, I couldn’t help but think—this isn’t just a routine call-up, it’s a strategic nuance in a game that’s as much chess as it is brute force. Johnson’s versatility is on full display tonight, filling in not just as a fullback but stepping up as the third tight end amid a tight end shortage with only Dalton Schultz and Harrison Bryant dressed to play. This isn’t Jakob’s first rodeo by any means; with seven seasons under his belt and stops at New England, Las Vegas, New York, and now Houston, he’s proven to be more than just a plug-in player. He’s appeared in 71 games, starting half of them, and his 19 receptions, 105 yards, and a touchdown tell a story of quiet reliability. Watching him cameo on offense for seven snaps and grind it out on special teams in Week 1 only amps up my curiosity for what he’ll bring tonight. It’s moments like this where you realize how critical depth and adaptability are in the NFL’s grueling grind. LEARN MORE

The Texans elevated fullback Jakob Johnson from the practice squad for Monday Night Football, the team announced.

It is the second consecutive week the Texans have used an elevation for Johnson to play.

Dalton Schultz and Harrison Bryant are the only tight ends available tonight, so Johnson also will serve as the third tight end.

Johnson played seven offensive snaps and eight on special teams in Week 1.

He is in his seventh NFL season, having appeared in 71 games with 35 starts for the Patriots, Raiders, Giants and Texans. Johnson has 19 career receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown. He also has 11 career tackles.