The Texans have rotated kick and punt returners for the past few years now. Chris Thompson, Tyler Ervin, Will Fuller, Bruce Ellington, Braxton Miller, and DeAndrew White returned kicks in 2017, until DeAndre Carter took over the role in 2019 and 2020. Last year Carter was cut. The Texans turned to Keke Coutee, C.J. Prosise, Dontrelle Hillard, and Scottie Phillips to fill in with him in Chicago.
Nick Caserio has used free agency to provide stability back at this position. Roberts has been a primary returner for a NFL team since the 2016 season, and was a Pro Bowl kick returner the previous three seasons.