HOUSTON – The Texans are releasing veteran linebacker Cory Littleton from the 53-man roster with the return of former Pro Bowl linebacker Denzel Perryman from a two-game NFL suspension, according to league sources.
Littleton, 29, is a former Los Angeles Rams Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro who has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Perryman missed time after being punished by the league for a hit on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver J’Marr Chase.
“Excited to get Denzel back,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Denzel brings a physical presence to our defense that we definitely need him to step and play for us, so excited to have him back and what he brings to us. The experience that he brings, it will definitely help us out on defense, so happy to get him back in the building.”
The Texans made Littleton’s release official late Tuesday and activated offensive tackle Charlie Heck from the reserve-physically unable to perform list, returning him to the 53-man roster. Heck has worked diligently to return from a back injury involving sciatica that went down to his foot and triggered tingling sensations and numbness. He is now fully healthy.
Littleton played last season for the Carolina Panthers. He started seven of 15 games last season and recorded 47 tackles, a half-sack and two passes defensed. He has primarily played on special teams for the Texans this season.
The Texans re-signed linebacker Garret Wallow to the practice squad after releasing him last week from the 53-man roster, according to a league sources.
A former fifth-round draft pick and All-Big 12 selection from TCU, Wallow played in 13 games with three starts and recorded 13 tackles with one tackle for loss last season.
The New Orleans native appeared in 15 percent of the defensive snaps. As a rookie, Wallow played in every game with two starts, including a big game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and had 23 tackles, two for losses in 286 snaps, 16 percent of the total defensive playing time.
Wallow overcame offseason ankle surgery to return for training camp. He is fully healthy now.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC and click2houston.com.