While no one’s talking about the specific reason the Texans cut three young players Monday, their former teammates still can’t believe it got to that point.
Texans coach Gary Kubiak waived running back Cierre Wood, outside linebacker Willie Jefferson and defensive end Sam Montgomery after they reportedly broke team rules at the team hotel, and they were sent home and deactivated for the game against the Chiefs.
From a practical standpoint, Montgomery was a draft bust (this year’s third-rounder) and Jefferson a project, but they had an immediate need for Wood last week after running backs Arian Foster and Ben Tate were injured.
“Yes, we could have [used Wood],” offensive tackle Duane Brown said, via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. “It’s very frustrating to have that happen knowing we had a back that was capable of carrying the load for us. It was a big missed opportunity on his part. . . .
“You have to put the team first. It’s very shocking to have that happen. You’re getting ready to play a huge game on the road, and to have [players] sent home is very disappointing and frustrating. Something had to happen. It’s a wake-up call for them and anybody else. You have to be unselfish in this league.”
Kubiak said he wouldn’t discuss the specific rules broken, leaving that to be discovered by any team that wants to put in a claim or give a chance to one of them.