Texans defender Dylan Horton returns to practice after battling cancer

Horton was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December 2023, sidelining him for Houston’s last seven regular-season matchups and the postseason. He completed his cancer treatment in May, but did not practice with the team during training camp as he finished his recovery. The Texans placed Horton on the NFI list during final roster cuts, giving him additional time to get back into playing shape before hitting the field with his teammates.

Now in remission, Horton will play football for the first time since last November, hoping to fortify a Texans defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest points but 11th-most yards. He will slot in behind Houston’s deep defensive end group, featuring 2023 No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson , 2024 free-agent signing Danielle Hunter and veterans Derek Barnett and Jerry Hughes.

That depth will allow head coach DeMeco Ryans to take a conservative approach with Horton’s return to the field, instead prioritizing the 2023 fourth-rounder’s health and long-term development.