Texans Sign OLB Zac Diles, Waive CB Elbert Mack

 

The Houston Texans signed free agent OLB Zac Diles to their 53-man roster and waived CB Elbert Mack in a corresponding move, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

• McClain adds that the Texans signed RB Ben Malena to their practice squad and released CB Kendall James to make room.

Diles, 29, was drafted by the Texans in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Kansas State.  He has since had stints with the Rams, Buccaneers, Colts, Titans, Chiefs, and the Browns.  Diles was among the Browns’ final cuts this past offseason.

Texan linebackers have struggled to stay healthy this year, with Jadeveon Clowney, Brian Cushing and Brooks Reed all being regulars on the weekly injury report.  Diles will provide depth, but will likely contribute primarily on special teams.

Diles has 238 tackles in his career, along with one sack and one interception.

Mack, 28, was signed by the Texans in October 2013 after initially being one of the final cuts.  He has appeared in all eight games for Houston this year, registering six tackles.

Malena went undrafted out of Texas A&M.  He is undersized, but has the hands and blocking ability to carve out a role down the road as a useful back on passing downs.