The Texans were awarded hard-hitting veteran safety Kareem Jackson off waivers from the Denver Broncos, according to a league source.
His NFL suspension, his second this year, has expired, and he was released Monday and now joins the Texans to play for coach DeMeco Ryans, his former teammate in Houston.
“I’m thrilled to be back with the Texans,” Jackson told KPRC in a telephone interview. “It’s all coming full circle, having spent a lot of time in Houston. I’m really excited and happy for DeMeco and all the success he’s having. I’m here to be a piece of the puzzle and help them win these last two games and get to the playoffs.”
Texans safety and team captain Jimmie Ward injured his quadriceps and didn’t return in Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns and he was placed on injured reserve, per a source.
Jackson has been fined $89,670 for unnecessary roughness violations for illegal hits.
Jackson is a former Texans first-round draft pick. The Broncos had planned to sign Jackson to the practice squad if he cleared waivers.
Jackson, 35, served a four-game suspension for a hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs. He was not penalized on the play. It was his first game back from a four-game suspension reduced to two games on appeal for a hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave.
He was ejected from two games and lost $559,889 for the four-game suspension in lost salary and $279,000 for the two-game suspension.
Jackson, a former Alabama standout, has 51 tackles and two interceptions this season . He has 953 career tackles, three sacks, six forced fumbles and 22 interceptions.
“I want to get the sour taste out of my mouth,” Jackson said. “The last few weeks have been rough on me. It’s been a rough season for me with everything that’s been going on. I’m excited to be with the Texans. I played with DeMeco for a few seasons, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.
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