Explore every episode of the podcast The Bullpen: A Houston Texans Podcast

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans preseason and look ahead to roster cuts.

This session of The Bullpen podcast features a deep dive into the Houston Texans' first preseason game, focusing on roster depth, rookie performances, and the fallout from Graham Mertz’s injury. The discussion transitions from professional sports analysis to personal career updates and logistics.

Texans Preseason Analysis

Quarterback Depth & The Mertz Injury

 • Graham Mertz: Confirmed torn ACL. This creates an immediate vacancy at QB3.

 • Davis Mills: Performed well with the starters (11 plays, 75 yards, TD) but struggled when playing with third-stringers. The consensus is that he remains a high-quality backup, but not a starter.

 • Potential Replacements: Discussion of trading a late-round pick for Case Keenum (currently with the Bears) or looking at athletic options like Talen Green (Arkansas) or Dillon Gabriel.

Rookie Standouts

 • Keylan Rutledge (C): The clear winner of the game. Despite not playing center in college, he has secured the starting spot through "nastiness" and physicality. His training camp scuffle with Will Anderson Jr. is viewed as a positive sign of competitive energy.

 • Marlin Klein (TE): Initial skepticism has faded. His athleticism and background (moving from Germany, learning English to make the NFL) suggest high coachable upside.

 • Wade Woodaz (LB): Showed promise but lacked separation from the depth group. The linebacking corps appeared "flat" after the first drive.

Roster Friction & Concerns

 • Febechi Nwaiwu (OL): Criticized for a lack of physicality, particularly on QB sneaks. While likely to make the roster as a developmental 4th-round pick, his performance was a low point.

 • Defensive End (DE4): A debate on whether the team should bring back Derek Barnett. While the current roster is deep, a veteran rotation of Hunter, Anderson, Clowney, and Barnett is described as "bulletproof."

 • Punter: Kai Kroger is the current punter "for now," but the hosts expect continued competition or a veteran addition if he lacks consistency.

James Roy and Tom discuss training camp storylines as the Texans report.

James Roy and Tom discuss Terrion Arnold workout and Texans Training Camp.

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans offseason program so far.

James Roy and Tom Discuss the latest with the Texans OTAs.

James Roy and Tom discuss the latest with the Texans as they start OTAs.

James Roy and Tom talk all things Texans so far this offseason.

James Roy and Tom analyze the Texans 2026 schedule.

James Roy and Tom discuss the latest with the Texans as the offseason continues with special guest Houston Stressans

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans draft and Azeez Al-Shaair's extension.

James Roy and Tom watch the draft looking at how the board falls and waiting to see what the Texans do.

James Roy and Tom break down the Texans draft needs with 1 week left.

James Roy and Tom discuss the latest with the Texans and review their 7 round mock drafts.

James Roy and Tom discuss the recent reports around the Texans and review their 7 ROUND mock drafts.

James Roy and Tom have Abdul Memon on to preview the Gamblers season and discuss the Texans recent moves

James Roy and Tom discuss the flurry of Texans moves through the early stages of Free Agency.

James Roy and Tom discuss the flurry of moves the Texans have made over the past week.

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans most recent moves and combine prospects to look out for.

James Roy and Tom discuss the latest with the Texans and reveal heir first mock drafts of the offseason.

James Roy and Tom give an overview of the Texans 2026 offseason timeline and expectations.

James Roy and Tom discuss the end of the Texans season and look ahead to the offseason.

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans facing their demons in the Divisional Round and more.

James Roy and Tom breakdown the Texans trip to Pittsburgh as they look for their first road playoff win.

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans win over the Chargers and look ahead to how the Texans playoff seeding can change this week.

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans close call vs Raiders and look ahead to their pivotal matchup with the Chargers.

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans win vs Cardinals and their upcoming matchup with the Raiders.

James Roy and Tom discuss the pivotal win over the Chiefs and how the rest of the season looks for the Texans

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans roadtrip to Arrowhead and more!

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans roadtrip to Indianapolis for a pivotal divisional matchup with the Colts

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans TNF win against the Bills and more

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom recap the Texans matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom preview the Texans week 11 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

James Roy and Tom discuss the Texans current divisonal stretch and more

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom recap the Texans matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom preview the Texans week 10 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom recap the Texans matchup with the Denver Broncos. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom preview the Texans week 9 matchup with the Denver Broncos. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom recap the Texans matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom preview the Texans week 8 matchup with the San Fransisco 49ers. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom recap the Texans matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom preview the Texans week 7 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

James Roy and tom discuss the latest with the Texans and their upcoming game against the Seahawks.

James Roy and Tom talk Texans bye week and how expectations have been affected by the last two wins.

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom recap the Texans matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom preview the Texans week 5 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

James Roy and Tom revel in the Texans first win and look ahead to the last game before the bye.

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy and Tom recap the Texans matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

In this episode of The Bullpen, James Roy previews the Texans week 4 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Texans updates and analysis from The Bullpen!

As always, thanks for watching. You can find my socials here: https://beacons.ai/jamesroynfl

James Roy discusses CJGJ's departure and more.