Houston Texans Considering Trio of Veterans to Replace Connor Barwin

Connor Barwin, a second-round pick of the Texans in 2009, was expected to see an expanded role this season opposite Mario Williams in the Texans’ hybrid defense. Barwin fits the scheme perfectly as he’s able to explode off the ball with his hand in the ground and is athletic enough to stand up, read and react.

But unfortunately for Barwin he suffered a dislocated ankle in the Texans’ 34-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts when he and Antonio Smith collided.

The dislocation was serious enough that it will require season-ending surgery, and the Texans are already scouring the free agent market to find Barwin’s replacement.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Texans have already been in contact with former Chicago Bear Adewale Ogunleye and former New Orleans Saint Bobby McCray. Both guys will be in Houston on Tuesday for a workout.

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora is reporting that the Texans have also been in contact with Leonard Little, and John McClain of the Houston Chronicle believes that Aaron Schobel could be on the team’s radar if he were to reconsider his retirement for the second time in a month or so.

McClain also believes third-year man Jesse Nading, who was credited with a half-sack against the Colts, could see a lot of time whether or not the Texans sign any of those four guys.