The Lions activated Heath (knee) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, per the NFL's official transaction report.
Heath landed on the COVID list due to a positive test, but as he was already out due to a torn ACL suffered during OTAs, the transactions have essentially been formalities. He can now return to team facilities.
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Lions' Joel Heath: Hits injured reserve
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The Lions placed Heath (knee) on injured reserve Thursday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.
Heath stands to spend the entire 2021 campaign on IR after suffering a torn ACL during a recent OTA session. The veteran defensive lineman will focus on returning to full health for 2022.
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Lions' Joel Heath: Out for the year
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Heath suffered a torn ACL during Tuesday's OTA session and has been ruled out for the 2021 season, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
After opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns related to COVID-19, Heath will be nearly three years removed from NFL action before he returns from knee surgery in 2022. The 27-year-old was expected to compete for a depth role along Detroit's defensive line.
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Lions' Joel Heath: Lands future deal
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The Lions signed Heath to a reserve/future contract Thursday.
Heath opted out of the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19 concerns and was cut by the Broncos early February. He'll now get a chance to stick with Detroit, where he stands to spend the offseason competing for a depth defensive end role.
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Broncos' Joel Heath: Nabbed off waivers
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The Broncos claimed Heath off waivers via the Texans on Monday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
The 26-year-old appeared in just two games this year with the Texans, seeing a total of 36 defensive snaps. The Broncos had three defensive ends land on injured reserve during the year, so Heath will shore up some depth at the position heading into the offseason.
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Joel Heath: Cut by Texans
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The Texans waived Heath on Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Heath was a healthy scratch for the last two games, and he's only suited up for the Texans twice this year, logging 36 defensive snaps and zero tackles. The Texans still have four defensive ends remaining.
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Texans' Joel Heath: Re-signs with Houston
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Heath was signed by the Texans on Friday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Heath had signed with Houston earlier in the month, then was released Thursday before re-signing after clearing waivers Friday. He is a one-time starter for Houston and knows the system, so he should fit in quickly.
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Texans' Joel Heath: Returning to Houston
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Heath signed a contract with the Texans on Monday.
Heath was waived ahead of Week 1, but he's now being brought back at the expense of offensive lineman Dan Skipper. Heath will look to provide depth on a team scrambling to replace J.J. Watt (pectoral).
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Texans' Joel Heath: Suiting up Sunday
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Heath (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Heath will suit up for the first time since Week 6 against the Browns. The second-year pro has yet to play significant defensive snaps, but due to injuries on the Texans' defensive front, he may be in for a high snap count Sunday. However, it's quite possible Houston keeps his snap count low since he only practiced as a limited participant all week.
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Texans' Joel Heath: Questionable for Sunday
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Heath (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Heath was a limited participant in practice this week and appears to be nearing a return after missing three straight games. The 24-year-old will likely be a game-day decision, with Angelo Blackson and Carlos Watkins slated for increased snaps if he cannot play.
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Texans' Joel Heath: Returns to full health
Rotowire
Heath (knee) is 100 percent healthy, Mike Dyer of WCPO.com reports.
Heath suffered the knee injury in the Texans' divisional-round loss to the Patriots last January. The second-year Michigan State product didn't require surgery in the offseason and has been participating in OTAs, so it doesn't sound like he'll face any limitations once training camp begins. Heath started six games as a rookie, but with J.J. Watt (back) receiving clearance to play heading into the upcoming season, Heath could settle back into a lower-usage backup role at defensive end.
