George Odum is set to return for the Houston Texans’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals after the team elevated him from its practice squad for the second time this season. Houston can elevate him once more under the current arrangement.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reported Sept. 19 that the Texans were bringing Odum back. He played 71% of Houston’s special teams snaps against the Buffalo Bills and made one tackle in a 36-31 loss. Caleb Bullock and Reed Blankenship are healthy, but Houston is adding Odum for his special teams work. Coach DeMeco Ryans previously praised Odum’s playmaking ability during the preseason.
Odum is in his ninth NFL season and has played for the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers, earning one All-Pro honor with each team. His career statistics were listed as either 205 or 209 tackles, along with three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He has started 12 of 109 games.
Pro Football Focus ranked him 26th among 29 Houston special teams players for the Buffalo game, while noting that its overall grade does not show performance in each phase. Houston is scheduled to play the Colts in Week 3, potentially making that Odum’s final elevation before a 53-man roster addition or another option would be required.
