Texans sign TE Irv Smith Jr. from practice squad, waive WR Steven Sims

The Texans signed veteran tight end Irv Smith Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster Friday, the team announced.

He has appeared in two games with the Texans this season, seeing action on 40 offensive snaps and nine on special teams. Smith has no stats this season.

The Texans need him for depth purposes with Cade Stover out after undergoing an emergency appendectomy last week.

Smith has played 51 games with 22 starts in his career and has totaled 109 receptions for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Texans waived wide receiver/returner Steven Sims in a corresponding move.

In seven games, Sims averaged 6.2 yards on 16 punt returns and 27.9 yards on seven kickoff returns.

The Texans also announced the elevations of fullback Andrew Beck and wide receiver Jared Wayne from the practice squad for Saturday's game against the Chiefs.

Beck has appeared in three games, playing 15 offensive snaps and 17 on special teams. Wayne made his NFL debut on Dec. 1 against the Jaguars, playing 16 offensive snaps and 15 on special teams.