Steven Mitchell

Mitchell was thrusted into the starting lineup due to injuries. He started as the second outside receiver with Brandin Cooks (neck) sidelined. Mitchell has been playing ahead of Ian Coulter, the Texans' rookie project out of Rhode Island.

Being inactive was a familiar state for Mitchell, the second-year wide receiver out of the University of Southern California who appeared in just three games during the regular season. Mitchell is under contract for 2020, but so are four receivers ahead of him on the depth chart.

Mitchell was waived by the Texans prior to Thursday's game against the Colts, but he'll rejoin the team only two days later. The 25-year-old was originally promoted from the practice squad Oct. 22 and has played 14 offensive snaps in two games.

Mitchell was a roster casualty as a result of Jordan Thomas' return from IR. The 25-year-old saw just 14 offensive snaps and one target in two games this year for Houston.