The Houston Texans cut 31 players on Saturday, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Here's a closer look at the final cuts:
Most significant move: Moving on from veteran punter Shane Lechler is notable. Coach Bill O'Brien has always thought highly of Lechler, who signed a one-year, $2 million contract in March and punted for the Texans for five seasons. But during training camp and the preseason, Lechler was outshined by Trevor Daniel, an undrafted rookie. O'Brien said Daniel has a "strong leg" and a "good demeanor," but the Texans coach said it was tough to move on from a future Hall of Famer. Lechler, 42, has punted for 18 seasons and made seven Pro Bowls.
Recent draft picks dropped: Despite drafting Braxton Miller with a third-round pick in 2016, the Texans decided to move on from the converted receiver. Miller, who started at quarterback for three years at Ohio State, dealt with injuries and inconsistent play in his first two seasons in the NFL. He played in 21 games, catching 34 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Houston also cut Treston Decoud, a 2017 fifth-round pick. Decoud played cornerback in his first season but made the switch to safety during the offseason.
Foreman on PUP: The Texans will be without running back D'Onta Foreman, who will start the season on the physically unable to perform list and will miss at least six weeks. Foreman tore his Achilles in late November and did not practice at all during training camp. Lamar Miller will be the Texans' starting running back and Alfred Blue will be his backup.
No more fullback: A year after fullback Jay Prosch signed a three-year contract extension, the Texans decided they didn't want to carry a fullback on the roster. Prosch played 13.5 percent of the Texans' offensive snaps last season, according to Pro Football Reference, but he was a key player on special teams. Houston is building its offense around quarterback Deshaun Watson and probably will utilize two tight ends in blocking sets instead this season.
Texans' moves: Released: P Shane Lechler, WR Braxton Miller, TE Stephen Anderson, FB Jay Prosch, QB Joe Webb III, OL David Quessenberry, S Treston Decoud, S Corey Moore, OL Kyle Fuller, CB Dee Virgin, CB Andre Chachere, RB Terry Swanson, WR Quan Bray, WR Jester Weah, TE Matt Lengel, OLB LaTroy Lewis, TE Jevoni Robinson, CB Bryce Jones, DE Nick Thurman, OL Roderick Johnson, S Ibraheim Campbell, OL Mason Gentry, OLB Ufomba Kamalu, NT Darius Kilgo, OT Jaryd Jones-Smith, RB Lavon Coleman, OL Anthony Coyle, NT Kingsley Opara, OLB Davin Bellamy, K Nick Rose, OL Chad Slade; PUP: RB D'Onta Foreman