The Houston Texans are bringing George Odum back from the practice squad for their game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It is the veteran safety and special teams player’s second elevation this season. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reported the move on Sept. 19.
Odum played 71% of Houston’s special teams snaps against the Buffalo Bills and made one tackle in that 36-31 Texans loss. Caleb Bullock and Reed Blankenship are healthy, but Houston is adding Odum for his special teams role. Head coach DeMeco Ryans previously highlighted Odum’s playmaking during the preseason.
Odum is in his ninth NFL season and has also played for the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers. He received one All-Pro honor with each team. One listing credits him with 205 career tackles, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Another lists 209 tackles, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, along with 12 starts in 109 games.
Pro Football Focus placed Odum 26th among 29 Houston special teams players for the Buffalo game, while noting that its overall grade does not reflect performance in every phase. Since this is his second elevation, Houston can use one more under the current arrangement.
The Texans are scheduled to play the Colts in Week 3, after which Odum could require a spot on the 53-man roster or another option.
