Overview

• Houston finalized the poaching move on September 17, elevating Bates from Cleveland’s practice squad to the Texans’ 53-man roster.
• Bates entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky in 2024, first signing with the Jets before joining the Browns.
• The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end has appeared in seven NFL games with one target and no receptions, profiling primarily as a blocker.
• Houston’s depth need follows injuries to Brevin Jordan and Irv Smith Jr. that are season-ending, Dalton Keene being waived with an injury settlement, and rookie Cade Stover landing on injured reserve.
• Cleveland now has an open practice-squad slot to address ahead of its next game.