Joe Webb III injury update: Versatile Texans backup QB suffers 'significant' foot injury

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The Texans lost more than a third-string quarterback Thursday when Joe Webb III went down with what coach Bill O'Brien described on Friday as a "significant" injury.

On the day before NFL rosters are cut to 53 players, Houston lost one of its most versatile players who can fill any number of roles while occupying only one roster spot.

He has lined up at receiver in a pinch and has been a core contributor on special teams, the Houston Chronicle noted, in addition to being QB3 behind starter Deshaun Watson and backup A.J. McCarron, who missed recent weeks with his right hand in a cast after hitting it on a helmet during practice.

"Great teammate," O'Brien added of Webb.

O'Brien didn't say whether Webb will require surgery, but acknowledged the team will explore signing another quarterback.

Webb was carted off the field in the fourth quarter and was on crutches after the Texans' final preseason game, a 22-10 home loss to the Rams.

Per the Chronicle, which cited an unidentified league source not authorized to speak publicly: The injury immediately was considered serious.

Before his injury, Webb, 32, was making an assertive case as the No. 3 quarterback, completing 19 of 29 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown with one interception. He also rushed for 30 yards on three carries.

He is entering his 10th season in the NFL, having played 2018 with the Texans, after multiyear stints with the Vikings and Panthers.

In 102 career games, he has completed 90 of 159 passes for 888 yards and three TDs with six interceptions. He also has rushed 50 times for 326 yards and four TDs and caught 10 passes for 74 yards.

The deadline for NFL teams to reach the 53-player roster limit is 4 p.m. ET Saturday. Teams then have until noon ET Sunday to claim players placed on waivers at the final roster cutdown.

The Texans, 1-3 in the preseason, kick off the regular season against the Saints in prime time Sept. 9 in New Orleans.

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Bob Hille is a senior content consultant for The Sporting News.