HOUSTON – The Houston Texans were awarded hard-hitting veteran safety Kareem Jackson off waivers from the Denver Broncos, according to a league source.
Jackson’s NFL suspension, his second this year, as well as his exempt/commissioner permission status have both expired. He was released Monday and now joins the Texans to play for coach DeMeco Ryans, his former teammate in Houston.
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“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. Being a part of that organization, seeing DeMeco getting the job and all his success, just being happy for him.
“They’ve got a bunch of young talent there. I want to come in, be a piece of the puzzle and help these guys win the next two games and get to the playoffs,” said Jackson.
Texans safety and team captain Jimmie Ward injured his quadriceps and didn’t return in Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. 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. It’s been a rough season for me mentally. It’s all about getting back to ball and being a piece of the puzzle. 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 Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.