Houston Texans

Houston Texans receiver Brandin Cooks missed practice Wednesday because of "personal reasons," according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.

Cooks was not traded ahead of Tuesday's deadline and showed his disappointment on social media:

The 29-year-old had signed a two-year, $39.8 million extension with the Texans before the season to keep him under contract through 2024.

The Texans reportedly had "talks" with teams about a trade ahead of the deadline but "nothing came of" them, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings were listed as possible destinations for Cooks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, but the wideout's $18 million guaranteed salary for next season was a significant holdup in negotiations.

It still seems Cooks wanted a new home after the Texans' 1-5-1 start.

The squad is scheduled to face the 7-0 Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

Cooks has also been up-and-down individually this year, totaling 32 catches for 354 yards and just one touchdown in seven games. His 50.6 average yards per game would be the second-worst in his nine-year NFL career.

The veteran had been one of the most consistent receivers in the league prior to this season, reaching at least 1,000 yards in six of the last seven years with four organizations.

With Cooks not practicing and Nico Collins dealing with a groin injury, the Texans could turn to Phillip Dorsett and Chris Moore against the Eagles.

The Dallas Cowboys failed to add a wide receiver at Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.

The Cowboys and Houston Texans engaged in discussions on a deal for Brandin Cooks "until the final minutes" before the deadline, per ESPN's Ed Werder. However, the trade couldn't get over the finish line before the clock struck 4 p.m. ET due to a disagreement on draft compensation and Cooks' $18 million guaranteed salary for 2023.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Oct. 30 that the Texans were open to trading Cooks at the deadline and were listening to offers for the veteran. In addition to the Cowboys, the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams were considered possible trade partners.

Cooks missed Tuesday's practice, which led to speculation about his status with the franchise, but Texans head coach Lovie Smith told reporters he was excused from practice for "personal reasons."

The 29-year-old doesn't appear to be happy that he wasn't moved, either, tweeting shortly after the deadline:

Cooks would have been a great depth addition to the Dallas offense. In seven games this season, he has caught 32 passes for 354 yards, both team-leading marks, and one touchdown.

Through his nine-year NFL career, the Oregon State product has six 1,000-plus-receiving-yard seasons, including a 1,037-yard 2021 campaign.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are led by CeeDee Lamb, who has caught 42 passes for 556 yards and three touchdowns in eight games in 2022. Beyond Lamb, Dallas' wideout group has been unimpressive.

Fifth-year receiver Noah Brown ranks second on the team with 25 catches for 339 yards and one touchdown in seven games, while Michael Gallup has caught 12 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown in five games.

Simi Fehoko and Jalen Tolbert round out Dallas' receiving group, and they have combined for four catches for 28 yards. Fehoko has appeared in five games, and Tolbert has appeared in four games.

While the Cowboys are 6-2 on the season, adding another target for star quarterback Dak Prescott would have put the franchise in better position to compete with the 7-0 Philadelphia Eagles for the top spot in the NFC East.

Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks was apparently heading for the exit door prior to the NFL trade deadline.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Houston discussed possible deals involving Cooks but that "nothing came of it." It doesn't look like the 29-year-old is thrilled to be staying in Houston.

This response is partially why Cooks' decision to sign a two-year, $39.8 million extension remains a head-scratcher.

Everybody knew Houston would still be rebuilding in 2022, so its 1-5-1 start is hardly a surprise. Cooks had to know he wouldn't be contending for a title on the Texans right now.

His contract also made a midseason trade even more difficult since any team acquiring him would have to take on a lot more money than before. ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Cooks' fully guaranteed $18 million salary in 2023 was a "major impediment" in trade negotiations.

Cooks' frustration is understandable. He's stuck on one of the NFL's worst teams, and his 50.6 receiving yards per game are on pace to be the second-lowest of his career.

When he signed that extension, though, he gained long-term financial flexibility at the cost of short-term trade flexibility.

Cooks will ultimately have to put any resentment aside. A trade is now off the table, and cutting him is simply out of the question given the financial penalty Houston would incur.

The 5'10" pass-catcher has to look at the second half of the year as an opportunity to showcase his skills for prospective trade suitors in the offseason.

The Houston Texans are reportedly open to trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks before the Nov. 1 deadline.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants are among the potential destinations for the veteran wideout, who is off to a slow start to the 2022 season amid the Texans' offensive struggles.

Cooks has recorded 28 receptions for 281 yards and a touchdown through the Texans' first six games, putting him on pace to finish below 1,000 receiving yards for just the third time in his career. Despite Houston being his fourth NFL stop, Cooks has essentially been an automatic 1,000 yards and 75-plus catches regardless of his location or quarterback.

It's unclear whether more of the blame falls on Davis Mills' lack of progression in his second NFL season or Cooks' advancing age. Cooks turned 29 in September and already has eight seasons of NFL mileage, along with several injuries, on his career odometer. Pro Football Focus has given Cooks an overall grade of just 63.3 this season, which would be by far the worst mark of his career.

Teams interested in trading for Cooks aren't likely to know how far he's regressed until they make a deal. Mills has been a middling checkdown machine all season despite a robust running game led by Damian Pierce. There's a real chance the 1,000-yard talent still exists in Cooks, but it's worth noting Mills was the Texans' quarterback for most of last season as well.

Houston signed Cooks to a two-year contract extension that includes a fully guaranteed $18 million base salary for next season. Given his struggles over the first half of 2022, Cooks' contract could significantly complicate matters.

That said, if history tells us anything, it's that Cooks is probably getting traded at some point. Eric Dickerson (four times) is the only player since 1980 to be traded more often than Cooks (three times).

Since entering the NFL in 2014, Brandin Cooks has played for four teams. He's no stranger to getting traded, having been dealt three times in his career. And he could soon be on the move again.

The wide receiver, who is in his third season with the Houston Texans, has featured in trade rumors of late. With the Texans off to a tough start (1-4-1), they could be looking to move some players ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, in order to set themselves up better for the future.

In fact, that appears to be exactly the case. Jordan Schultz of The Score reported on Wednesday that Houston is "willing to trade" Cooks and that there have been "several teams expressing real interest." The Texans would "ideally prefer draft capital in return."

The 29-year-old is a talented player, as he had six seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards over a seven-year span from 2015-21. He also had 12 receiving touchdowns in his first two seasons with Houston from 2020-21.

However, Cooks' production has been down a bit this year, with 28 receptions for 281 yards and one touchdown in six games. Perhaps a change of scenery in a more high-powered offense could help get him back on track.

According to KPRC 2 (h/t NFL reporter Dov Kleiman), among the teams that have contacted the Texans about Cooks have been the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams. And while there hasn't yet been a "serious trade offer," maybe one could materialize before the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday.

Of the three rumored teams in the mix, the Chiefs are off to the best start at 5-2 heading into their Week 8 bye. However, it may be difficult for the Oregon State product to get substantial targets in Kansas City, as its offense already features a lot of talented playmakers.

The Rams (3-3) may also not get the ball into Cooks' hands enough. Cooper Kupp dominates the targets from Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford, and there may not be room for another top wide receiver. Allen Robinson II has already struggled to get involved in his first season in the Rams' offense.

That's why the Packers (3-4) would be the best fit for Cooks. They need a top player to boost their struggling receiving corps, which hasn't produced enough in its first season since the team traded Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Green Bay's group of wide receivers is also banged up. Randall Cobb is on injured reserve with an ankle injury, while Allen Lazard (shoulder) and Sammy Watkins (hamstring) are also dealing with injuries.

Meanwhile, the young receivers haven't stepped up enough, with players such as rookie Romeo Doubs not making the most of their increased opportunities. So, it may be time for the Packers to seek outside help.

With Green Bay falling behind Minnesota (5-1) in the NFC North, it needs a player of Cooks' caliber to help fix its offense and get its season on track. It should be willing to part with the draft capital necessary to land him from Houston.

Plus, the 2014 No. 20 pick is under contract through the end of the 2024 season, as he signed a two-year, $39.6 million extension with the Texans earlier this year.

So, this wouldn't be just a short-term deal for the Packers, which could then build their receiving corps around Cooks moving forward.

Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks' days as a member of the Houston Texans could be numbered.

According to The Score's Jordan Schultz, Houston is "willing" to trade Cooks prior to the Nov. 1 deadline and several teams are "expressing real interest." The Texans are reportedly seeking draft compensation in return.

NFL reporter Dov Kleiman revealed Wednesday that the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams are among the teams that have been in contact with the Texans about a potential deal for Cooks. However, he added that "nothing has yet developed into a serious trade offer" so far.

Cooks was traded to the Texans from the Rams prior to the 2020 season. In April, he signed a two-year, $39.6 million contract extension with Houston despite the trade interest he was drawing from other teams at the time.

A first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2014, Cooks also spent time with the New England Patriots and has been traded three times in his career. If he is traded again, he will join Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson as the only NFL players ever to be traded four times.

Through six games, Cooks leads the Texans with 28 receptions and 47 targets, but he ranks second on the team with 281 receiving yards behind Nico Collins' 305. Cooks has reached the end zone just once this season.

Cooks has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark six times in his nine-year career, so he undoubtedly can boost the passing attack of a team in need of an upgrade. It remains to be seen which franchise will pull the trigger on a trade for the 29-year-old, but it will certainly be one that views him as the missing piece in its quest for a playoff berth.

Davis Mills and O.J. Howard are having themselves a day.

The two had combined for two touchdowns at the time of publication during Sunday's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, which perhaps had fantasy players raising their eyebrows and wondering if both deserved closer scrutiny and a roster spot.

We'll start with Howard. The argument for the veteran tight end is that the Texans aren't exactly brimming with offensive playmakers, and his early connection with Mills is a good sign.

Howard has shown flashes of being a solid option at the position in the past, scoring 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons and 24 games. But injuries, the addition of Rob Gronkowski and a general collection of weapons in Tampa Bay made him a complete fantasy non-factor the past three seasons.

Perhaps a change of scenery has done him good. But keep in mind that Howard's two touchdown receptions came on his only two receptions of the day, at least at the time of publication. Touchdown reliance is a fickle mistress for fantasy players, whereas consistent targets generally indicate a large role in the offense.

So if you are hurting at tight end, Howard is a fine speculative add. Just don't be shocked if he doesn't give you much more than TE2 numbers this season.

Mills is a more interesting call. His 2,664 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a rookie in 2021 aren't going to raise the hairs on a fantasy player's arms. But again, he was a rookie. He closed last season with 301 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans. There is potential here.

Should he be rostered? In two-QB leagues, absolutely. Beyond that, it's probably a bit early to consider him in the QB2 conversation, so no. But monitor him closely. There is perhaps some upside here, especially come the bye weeks.

The NFL's Houston Texans donated new uniforms and equipment to the Uvalde High School football team Friday.

ABC's Good Morning America was on hand for the ceremony:

The franchise also announced as part of Friday's ceremony that it will wear a "Uvalde Strong" helmet decal for its Sept. 11 season-opening home game against the Indianapolis Colts, a game the Uvalde team will attend.

Nineteen students and two teachers were killed in a mass shooting at Uvalde's Robb Elementary School in May.

The tragedy was one of several mass shootings in the United States in 2022, leading to a renewed push for further gun control. In June, President Joe Biden signed the most significant gun-control legislation in decades after it received bipartisan political support in the Senate and House.

The Texans previously donated $400,000 to the Robb School Memorial Fund in June, which included contributions from the team's players.

"Texans care about Texans, especially in times of triumph and tragedy," Texans CEO Cal McNair said. "I'm so proud of our players for championing this effort and was inspired to support our neighbors in Uvalde alongside them. I also know we have a great responsibility to lend our voices to important and meaningful conversations that bring awareness to senseless gun violence."

Uvalde High School will play its home opener Friday night against C.C. Winn High School. The Coyotes beat Carrizo Springs High School in their first game of the season last week.

Dameon Pierce's future is looking a lot brighter after the Houston Texans released Marlon Mack, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Pierce ran for 1,806 yards and 23 touchdowns and caught 45 passes for 422 yards and five touchdowns in 48 games over four seasons at Florida. Now, the 2022 fourth-round pick is poised to play a big role in Houston's offense.

Fantasy analysts see Pierce becoming a fantasy football threat right out of the gate:

Most fantasy managers have already drafted their teams by this point, and Pierce hasn't exactly flown under the radar this year. He's rostered in 85 percent of Yahoo leagues, so if you didn't draft him yourself, it's unlikely he's sitting there unclaimed.

If you've yet to hold your fantasy draft, then you'll want to calibrate Pierce's ranking accordingly.

The Houston Texans went just 4-13 last season, the second straight season the organization only won four games.

But quarterback Davis Mills believes big things are on the horizon for the team.

"We're ready to go out and shock the world," he told Peter King of Pro Football Talk.

The Texans no longer have the Deshaun Watson situation hanging over their heads and have a new head coach in Lovie Smith. They had a solid draft, adding players like cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., offensive lineman Kenyon Green, safety Jalen Pitre and wide receiver John Metchie III.

It's hard to see the Texans going from four wins to playoff contention, but if Mills takes another step forward—he threw for 2,664 yards, 16 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 66.8 completion percentage in 13 games (11 starts)—the Texans should be a scrappy bunch.