When the Houston Texans reduced their preseason roster to the regular-season limit of 53 active players on Tuesday, the NFL team placed tight end Irv Smith Jr. on injured reserve. The designation puts the former Alabama pass-catcher in danger of missing another NFL season. Placed on IR because of a sprained ankle, Smith will be able to play in the 2025 season only if he is released by the Texans with an injury settlement, then finds a team that will sign him once he regains his health.