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Texans Host Specialist Tryouts as Punting Race Widens

The workouts serve as a depth check for special teams as Houston evaluates multiple punters while its veteran kicker remains under contract.

Overview

  • The Texans hosted tryouts for free-agent punter Jack Browning and kicker Chris Freeman on Thursday as part of camp evaluations.
  • Houston’s punting competition now includes Kai Kroeger, rookie Jack Stonehouse and new entrant Jack Browning with the club still sorting the job.
  • Chris Freeman’s audition is exploratory because veteran kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is signed to the roster and not expected to be displaced immediately.
  • Browning earned NFL looks after leading the UFL in key punting categories and has prior NFL practice-squad and game experience, showing why alternative leagues are feeding specialist tryouts.
  • Teams often run late workouts to build injury insurance and improve consistency, so the Texans’ sessions could produce a short-term signing or simply sharpen holder and return-team work.