KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson joins Next Up following the NFL 53-man roster deadline. The Houston Texans cut down their training camp roster. The players most notable to be released/waived include Ben Skowronek, C.J. Henderson, Desmond King II, Andrew Beck, Noah Brown and Tim Boyle. "It was a tough roster to make," Wilson said. The Texans now have five running backs on the roster, and veteran wide receiver Robert Woods remains on the team. However, the deadline does not determine the final 53-man roster. The Texans will "make some changes" before their week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. General manager Nick Caserio will look to add depth to the defensive line, especially at "defensive tackle."

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up react to the Houston Texans approaching the NFL 53-man roster deadline. All teams will have to trim their offseason rosters to just 53 players by Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT. During the show, the Texans released several players, most notably Ben Skowronek, C.J. Henderson, Desmond King II, Andrew Beck, Noah Brown and Tim Boyle. Stan and Chris also discuss the latest trade rumors involving wide receiver John Metchie III and recap the Astros losing 3-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies from Bryce Harper's walk-off hit in the 10th inning.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up review the final preseason game for the Houston Texans, which concluded in a 17-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Backup quarterback Case Keenum headed to the locker room during Saturday's preseason game with an arm injury. Running back Cam Akers rushed for 53 yards on seven carries against his former team. Will Keenum stay on the roster as the third quarterback, and will Akers be higher on the depth chart than Dameon Pierce? Stan and Chris also discuss the Astros splitting the four-game road series with the Baltimore Orioles following Sunday's 6-3 victory. The Astros are now 4.5 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. Ronel Blanco will start on the mound Monday to open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up react to the Houston Astros defeating the Baltimore Orioles 6-0 on Thursday to open up the three-game road series. Spencer Arrighetti threw six scoreless innings, while Ben Gamel, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets on Tuesday, recorded a pair of RBI singles to secure the Astros 12th victory in their past 15 games. With their ninth consecutive road win, the Astros are now 5.5 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. Stan and Chris also talk with KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson about the Texans facing the Los Angeles Rams in their final preseason game and preview the first week of college football.

KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson joins Next Up following the Houston Texans hosting the Los Angeles Rams for a joint practice Thursday. Quarterback C.J. Stroud displayed his "command and aggressiveness," and running back Joe Mixon, who missed a significant amount of training camp due to injury, "looks ready for the Colts game," Wilson said. However, "it just didn't look like the offensive line was on their A-game," which prompts concern for a position group that has dealt with multiple injuries in past seasons. Wilson also discusses Jalen Pitre performing well at the nickel and the Texans playing in their final preseason game against the Rams on Saturday.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up recap the Houston Astros dropping the three-game series to the Boston Red Sox following Wednesday's 4-1 loss. Justin Verlander made his return to the mound for his first start since June 9, allowing four hits and two runs with six strikeouts in five innings. Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins to discuss Alex Bregman returning to the lineup as a designated hitter and previews the four-game road series against the Baltimore Orioles. Stan and Chris also react to the Astros plans to sign reliever Hector Neris and talk with ESPN's Laura Rutledge about the Texans attempting to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC.

ESPN's Laura Rutledge joins Next Up to discuss the Houston Texans attempting to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs as the Super Bowl favorites in the AFC. DeMeco Ryans is "the perfect coach for this job," Rutledge said. Rutledge also comments on the Texas Longhorns looking to repeat last season's success in their first year in the SEC.

Brian Bogusevic, former Astros outfielder and Space City Home Network analyst, joins Next Up after the Astros lost the three-game series to the Boston Red Sox with Wednesday's 4-1 defeat. Justin Verlander returned to the mound for his first start since June 9, allowing four hits and two runs with six strikeouts in five innings. Alex Bregman appeared in the lineup as a designated hitter and smacked a lead-off home run in his first at-bat after being out five games with right elbow inflammation. This would serve as the Astros only run of the game. "This is not the juggernaut offense" of the past, Bogusevic said. "There are going to be ups and downs...it's going to be hot and cold." While Bregman stated that he was not experiencing pain or discomfort, "you're probably not going to see him at third base for at least a few days." Bregman filling the designated hitter position has a domino effect for the rest of the lineup. Bregman is "a big difference maker at third base," so as a designated hitter, Yordan Alvarez will play more in left field, Yainer Diaz could get more time at first base and Victor Caratini would be behind the plate to keep his bat in the lineup against right-handed pitchers. Following his release from the Chicago Cubs, reliever Hector Neris will be signing with the Astros in a return to Houston. "I'm all for it," because "whatever you need, [Neris will] take the ball." The Astros hold a five-game lead in the AL West and are traveling to Baltimore to take on the Orioles for a four-game series. The Orioles have "got one of the best offenses in baseball," but the Astros are "catching them at the right time" as the Orioles are 9-10 in August.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up recap the Houston Astros dropping a game to the Boston Red Sox 6-5 on Tuesday. Ronel Blanco allowed five runs on six hits with six strikeouts in just under four innings. The Astros offense also struggled to bring in runners in scoring position. Justin Verlander will make his return to the mound Wednesday in an attempt to win the three-game series. Stan and Chris also give an update on Alex Bregman, discuss the Texans preparing for the Los Angeles Rams to come to town, react to Minute Maid Park being one of the four host sites for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, discuss the Harris County Houston Sports Authority announcing changes to professional sporting venues and more.

Stan Norfleet of Next Up breaks down the Houston Texans roster ahead of a joint practice and final preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Texans have strengthened every position group in the offseason, and on paper, the offensive line leads the way with four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and veteran Tytus Howard. However, many remain cautious when discussing the potential of the offensive line due to the extensive injuries of past seasons. Pro Football Focus ranks the Texans offensive line at No. 22 entering the 2024 season. The addition of Azeez Al-Shaair to the linebacker core has given the Texans defense a strong leader, but with Christian Harris dealing with a calf injury most of minicamp, there is not much starter experience left in the position group. Will Henry To'oTo'o, Jake Hansen and Neville Hewitt be enough to support Al-Shaair and the rest of the Texans defense?