Texans sign WRs Zay Jones, Sterling Shepard

Field Level Media|published: Sat 22nd August, 13:42 2026

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans signed a pair of wide receivers on Saturday, adding Zay Jones and Sterling Shepard on the heels of fellow wideout Jayden Higgins being ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.

In a corresponding move, linebacker K.C. Ossai was added to the reserved/injured list.

Jones, 31, played in eight games for the Arizona Cardinals last season and had 12 receptions for 183 yards. Over nine NFL seasons, Jones has 307 receptions for 3,295 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Buffalo Bills (2017-19), Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2019-21), Jacksonville Jaguars (2022-23) and Cardinals.

Shepard, 33, played in 13 games (two starts) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season and had 39 receptions for 371 yards and one TD. In 10 NFL seasons, he has 443 receptions for 4,800 yards and 25 TDs for the New York Giants (2016-23) and Buccaneers.

Ossai, 23, was on the Miami Dolphins' practice squad last season and was signed by the Texans on May 26. He has yet to play in an NFL game. Ossai's injury is undisclosed.

Higgins, 23, was injured in a red-zone drill during a joint practice Tuesday with the Raiders. A second-round draft pick last year, Higgins recorded 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games (10 starts) during his rookie season in 2025.

--Field Level Media

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