The Houston Texans have added defensive end Derek Parish to their 90-man roster, following injuries to key players. This move comes after defensive end Dylan Horton was placed on injured reserve for the entire 2026 season due to a torn Achilles. Linebacker Marte Mapu has also been placed on injured reserve, further impacting the team's defensive lineup.
In addition to Horton and Mapu, the Texans are managing injuries to Jadeveon Clowney, who has a lower-leg issue, and Dominique Robinson, who is recovering from a calf injury sustained during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. These circumstances have opened the door for Parish, who has a varied background in football.
Parish, a 27-year-old graduate of Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent part of the 2023 season on the Jaguars' practice squad and has experience as both a tight end and an edge rusher from his college days at the University of Houston.
After his time in Jacksonville, he played in the Canadian Football League and the UFL, where he had a notable performance in the 2026 season.
As the Texans prepare to face the Carolina Panthers in their final preseason game, Parish has a crucial opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and potentially secure a spot on the team, including a place on the practice squad.
