HOUSTON – The arrival of defensive tackle Leki Fotu on the Texans’ roster was well-timed.
The Texans needed a sizable presence for their interior defensive line after season-ending injuries suffered by Tim Settle Jr. and Mario Edwards Jr.
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And Fotu, a 6-foot-5, 317-pound free agent, needed a new gig after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Signed to the Texans’ practice squad, Fotu has been elevated for the past two games as the athletic former rugby player contributes to a playoff squad heading into an AFC wild-card round playoff game Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I’m still catching all the emotions, but truly we’re just grateful to be in this position and for this organization to pick me up and to do everything I can to contribute and continue this run that we’re on,” Fotu told KPRC 2. “With my game, with my size and my abilities, I think it speaks for itself. I try to provide that anchor in the run game obviously and also contribute my part in the passing game when those moments come. Just doing everything that I can to the best of my abilities.”
Fotu recorded two tackles in his debut with the Texans in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He had another tackle in a victory over the Indianapolis Colts, appearing in 49 percent of the defensive snaps. The Texans later made this move official and elevated safety Kaevon Merriweather.
Fotu is a former Arizona Cardinals fourth-round draft pick from Utah. He has also played for the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders.
Reuniting with Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke, a former Cardinals defensive line coach, Fotu has fit in well with this 4-3 defensive scheme.
“It’s a great feeling,” Fotu said. “Me and coach Burke, we had a good run in our time in Arizona. Just to reconnect with him and to be a part of this defense, it’s truly amazing. Just grateful to be a part of it.”
He has played in 66 games with 25 career starts, recording 103 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks, 15 tackles for losses and eight quarterback hits with one forced fumble.
A two-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection, Fotu has run the 40-yard dash in 5.15 seconds.
Fotu was a teammate of former Texans star J.J. Watt in Arizona and caught up with him recently at practice.
“Always great to see him,” Fotu said. “I tried to take some of his stuff and mimic it into my own game. Definitely learned a lot with our time in Arizona.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com