Ummm, no. We were always going to carry 5 RBs. Foster, Blue, Grimes, Prosch, and ???? Cutting Hilliard just means that Polk made the team (as long as we don't acquire another RB). It doesn't affect James' chances in the slightest. If anything cutting EZ and Worthy bodes better for James (assuming Martin is cut as well) because rolling with 5 WR instead of 6 might indeed open up a spot.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texans have cut offensive tackle Joseph Treadwell, according to a source. Strong candidate for practice squad</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/640171774101983232">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texans cut defensive end Dan Pettinato, per a source, expected back for practice squad if he clears waivers</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/640175253646237697">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> cut DE Fili Moala</p>— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/640193613020794880">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
With the Texans now cutting Pettinato, Moala, Finau, and Brown, they're definitely looking outside of the org for front 7 help.
II think they'll look outside for OLB, most definitely,but it's interesting I haven't heard Trail's name as a cut....unless I missed it. Dline, we still have what, Watt, Wilfork, Crick, Pagan, Covington? Could probably use someone else there too.
Neither Trail or Washington have done anything to make the roster. Both have potential, and should probably be practice squad bound, but they are no where ready to be your 4th OLB. At some point, and probably early, they will be needed, and those guys can't be trusted yet. You're line is Watt, Wilfork, Crick, Pagan, and Covington so far, and one single injury would dramatically hurt you at depth there. They need 1-2 guys in my opinion. Pagan hasn't been that healthy, so I'm very cautious with just having one real solid backup.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Was told Kourntei Brown is currently not an option to bring back for the practice squad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— PDS (@PatDStat) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatDStat/status/640174919553167360">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> now have Watt, Wilfork, Covington, Crick and Pagan left. Have to think there is a vet somewhere on stand by.</p>— PDS (@PatDStat) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatDStat/status/640193907716935680">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bengals cutting Devon Still, source confirms</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/640200038342201344">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> I wonder if McNair would push to give him a spot on the roster because of all he's going through.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texans cut outside linebacker Lynden Trail, per sources, want to do an injury settlement for him, but could also wind up on practice squad</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/640205336389947392">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> cut OLB Lynden Trail</p>— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/640205408137834497">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
That's the problem though, I'm not sure it could improve. He was all over those guys, he just lacks the height and athletic ability to make those plays.
We want Charles James because he is an "underdog" and most of us like to root for the "underdog" and he's good on TV but did we watch him on Thursday night? He wasn't very good at being a football player, you know, what he's paid to do. Yes, chances are he won't see the field as a CB, instead ST but... If he makes it, great. If he doesn't, not the end of the world. Just as it'd suck for him to be cut, it sucks for the rest of these guys being cut too.