The Texans are slated to sign Niemann to a two-year contract worth up to $6.5 million, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niemann mostly played on special teams for the Chargers in 2024 and finished with 21 tackles (11 solo) and one pass defense across 13 regular-season games. He'll likely serve in a similar role in Houston, though he could get some reps in rotation behind starting outside linebackers Christian Harris and Azeez Al-Shaair (knee).

Niemann registered eight tackles (four solo) during the Chargers' loss versus Baltimore on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Niemann had his best game of the campaign Monday, recording a season-high eight tackles. The 26-year-old saw an expanded role as a result of Denzel Perryman exiting the game with a groin injury. If Perryman ends up being forced to miss extended time, Niemann would likely replace him as the team's starting linebacker.

The Chargers activated Niemann (hamstring) off injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Niemann has yet to play a game this season, as he landed on IR in late August due to a hamstring issue. He was designated to return Oct. 2 and logged a trio of full practices this week to set himself up for activation. Niemann still carries a designation of questionable into Sunday's contest versus Denver, and if he plays it likely be in a rotational role.

Niemann was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, opening up a 21-day practice window, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niemann was placed on injured reserve in late August with an undisclosed injury, forcing him to miss at least the team's first four games of the 2024 campaign. The linebacker will now have a 21-day window to return to practice and ultimately be added to the active roster. If the team fails to add him to the roster before the end of the 21 days, he'll revert to IR for the remainder of the season.

The Chargers placed Niemann (undisclosed) on their injured reserve list with a designation to return Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Because the Chargers used one of their two designations to return on Niemann at the roster cut deadline, he will be eligible to come back at some point during the 2024 season. He took a step forward during the last campaign, recording 41 tackles (23 solo).

Niemann posted 11 tackles (six solo), including one for loss, in Sunday's defeat to Denver.

EDGE Analysis

After working exclusively on special teams five of the previous six weeks, Niemann got the opportunity to start in the absence of Kenneth Murray (shoulder) Sunday. Niemann did well with the opportunity, finishing third on the team with his first career double-digit tackle effort. The third-year linebacker seems likely to log another start Week 18 versus Kansas City if Murray is sidelined again.

Niemann is expected to fill in for Eric Kendricks (hamstring/personal) ahead of Sunday's game against Tennessee, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The third-year linebacker has appeared in 35 games throughout his career but he's never recorded a start. Throughout those appearances, Niemann has tallied 25 tackles, one pass breakup and one interception for Los Angeles.